[
i
HARVARD UNIVERSITY.
LIBRARY
OF THE
MUSEUM OF COMPARATIVE ZOOLOGY,
(kx/yxA.ucL^A± 10, i^q.
JAN 10 191/
CATALOGUE
l(o>7^
0 1'
mUTE AMERICAN REPTILES
IN THE M U S E U Jt OF THE
SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION.
PART I. — SERPENTS.
BY
S. F. BAIRD AND C. aiRARD.
WASHINGTON:
SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION.
JANUARY, 1853.
JAN 10 1917
CATALOGUE
OP
NORTH AMERICAN REPTILES
IN THE MUSEUM OP THE
SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION.
PART I.-SEEPENTS.
BY
S. F. BAIRD AND C. aiRARD.
WASHINGTON:
SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION.
JANUARY, 1853.
Accepted for publication, November, 1852.
.JOSEPH HENRY,
Secretary S. I.
STEKEOTTPED BY L. JOHNSON h CO.
PHILADEIPHIA.
PRINTEI) BY T. K. i P. G. COLLINS.
MCZ LIBRARY
HARVARD UillVERSirri
Cpno"^'DG£. MA USA
CONTENTS.
Page
Preface v
Introduction vii
Explanation of Terms used vii
Synopsis op Families and Genera, and Systematic Index op
Species of North American Serpents ix
Genus Crotalus 1
— Crotalophorus 11
— Agkistrodon 17
— ToxicoPHis 19
— Elaps 21
— Eutainia 24
— Nerodia 88
— Regina 45
— Ninia 49
— Heterodon 51
PiTUOPHlS 64
— Scotophis 78
— Ophibolus 82
— Georgia 92
— Bascanion 93
— Masticophis 98
— Salvadora 104
— Leptophis 106
— Chlorosoma 108
— CONTIA 110
DiADOPHIS 112
LODIA 116
— SONORA 117
— Rhinostoma 118
— Rhinocheilus 120
— Haldea 122
— Farancia 123
— Abastor 125
— Virginia 127
— Celuta 128
— Tantilla 131
— Osceola 133
— Storeria 135
— Wenona 139
— Rena 142
iii
iv CONTENTS.
Page
APPENDIX A. — Species examined, of which no Specimens are in
POSSESSION OF the SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION 145
APPENDIX B. — Species desckibed by authors, but of which no
Specimens could be obtained 150
APPENDIX C. — Species collected on the United States and
Mexican Boundary Survey by John H. Clark and Arthur
Schott, under Maj. Wm. H. Emory, and received too late for
insertion in their proper places 15G
APPENDIX D. — Index of Sources from which the Specimens have
been received 162
APPENDIX E. — Index of States and Territories from which
Specimens have been received 164
Alphabetical Index 165
1. Vernacular Names 165
2. Systematic Names 167
PREFACE.
In the present catalogue it is proposed to present a systematic ac-
count of the collection of North American Serpents in the museum
of the Smithsonian Institution. In the Appendix will be found such
species not in possession of the Institution, as could be borrowed for
description, as well as notes on more or less authentic species of which
no specimens could be found.
A complete synonomy of all the species has not been attempted,
as tending to swell the bulk of a catalogue too much. All those,
however, necessary to a proper understanding of the history or cha-
racter of the species, have been introduced, and all the synonyms
quoted have been actually verified by original reference.
Owing to the want of osteological preparations, it has been a difii-
cult task to arrange the genera in a natural succession. In many
cases forms are now combined which will hereafter necessarily be
widely separated. The almost entire deficiency of modern general
works upon the Colubridce, has also been a serious obstacle to any
correct idea of a natural system. The forthcoming work of M. M.
Dumeril will undoubtedly clear up much of the obscurity which now
exists. But when systematic writers all carefully avoid the subject
of the Ophidians, each waiting for the others to make the first step,
the attempt to combine genera by well marked, though perhaps arti-
ficial points of relation, will it is hoped be looked upon with indul-
gence, even after more comprehensive and extended investigations
shall render it necessary to break up the combinations here adopted.
The collections upon which the original descriptions of the present
catalogue have been based are as follows : —
Spencer F. Baird. Species from Massachusetts, New York,
Ohio, and Pennsylvania.
Charles Girard. Maine, Massachusetts, and South Carolina.
Rev. Charles Fox. Species from Eastern Michigan.
Dr. p. II. Hoy. Species from Eastern Wisconsin.
Prof. L. Agassiz. Lake Superior, Lake Huron, and Florida.
V
^l PREFACE.
Dr. J. P. KiRTLAND. Northern Ohio.
Gr. W. Fahnestock. Western Pennsylvania.
Miss Valeria Blaney. Eastern Shore of Maryland.
Dr. C B. R. Kennerly. Northern Virginia.
John H. Clark. Maryland, Texas, New Mexico, and Sonora.
John Varden. District of Columbia and Louisiana.
Dr. J. B. Barratt. Western South Carolina.
Miss Charlotte Paine and Mrs. M. E. Daniel. Western S.
Carolina.
Dr. S. B. Barker. Charleston, S. C
Prof. F. S. Holmes and Dr. W. J. Burnett. South Carolina.
R. R. CuYLER and Dr. W. L. Jones. Georgia.
D. C. Lloyd. Eastern Mississippi.
Dr. B. F. Shumard and Col. B. L. C. Wailes. Mississippi.
James Fairie. Mexico and Western Louisiana.
Capts. R. B. Marcy and G. B. McClellan, U. S. A. Red
River, Ark.
Ferdinand Lindheimer. Central Texas.
Col. J. D. Graham, U. S. A. The specimens collected while on
the U. S. and Mex. Boundary Survey, by Mr. J. H. Clark, viz., in
Texas, New Mexico, and Sonora.
Maj. W. H. Emory. Specimens collected on the U. S. and Mexi-
can Boundary Survey, by Arthur Schott, at Eagle Pass, Tex., and
by J. H. Clark, in Texas and New Mexico.
Gen. S. Churchill, U. S. A. Valley of the Rio Grande.
Dr. L. Edwards, LT. S. A. Northern Mexico.
Dr. Wm. Gambel. New Mexico and California.
Dr. John L. Le Conte. Littoral California.
Dr. C. C. Boyle and J. S. Bowman. Central California.
Dr. a. J. Skilton. Species collected in California by Henry
Moores, Esq.
U. S. Exploring Expedition. Littoral California and Oregon.
Academy of Natural Sciences of Philad. Various unique
specimens described by Dr. Holbrook.
Boston Society of Natural History. California.
SPENCER F. BAIRD,
Assist. Sec. S. I. in charge of Museum.
Smithsonian Institution, ")
January 5, 1853. J
INTHODUCTION.
EXPLANATION OF TERMS USED.
The vertical plate is the central one in the middle of the head
above, having on each side of it the svperdliaries, which form the
upper part of the orbit. The two plates behind the vertical are the
occi'pitah; the pair in front of it, the postfrontals. The prefrontals
or anterior frontah are situated in front of the postfrontals; and an-
terior to these and terminating the snout is the rostral. The plates
immediately in front of the eye are the antcorhitals ; those behind it
are the jyostorhitals. In advance of the anteorbital is the loraly be-
tween which and the rostral are the two nasals, with the nostril be-
tween them. The upper and lower labials margin the upper and
lower jaws. The temporal shields are situated between the upper
labials and the occipitals. The inframaxillary or mental scutellae
or shields are just within the lower labials.
The arrangement on the top of the head of one rostral, two pairs
of frontals, one vertical with one superciliary on each side, and one
pair of occipitals we have considered as typical or normal, from which
but few of the genera described vary. Sometimes one plate occupies
the place of the two prefrontals, and in some genera a second median
plate is seen between the rostral, frontals, and vertical. On the side
of the head we have sometimes but one nasal, and sometimes either
the loral or the anteorbitals may be wanting. Where the latter con-
dition exists, it is sometimes difficult at first to determine which plate
has disappeared. A clue is to be found in the shape of the remain-
ing plate ; if this be longitudinal, it is probably the loral ; if vertical,
or divided into two or more, one above the other, it is to be con-
sidered as anteorbital. The loral belongs to the postfrontals, and
the anteorbital to the vertical, the posterior edges in the former and
vii
viii INTRODUCTION.
the anterior in the latter generally ranging. Thus, when the ver-
tical plate is very short, the anteorbital is also short or wanting
entirely, and the same relation holds good between the loral and
postfrontals.
The specimen whose measurements are first given, unless stated to
the contrary, has served as the type of the description, and the first
mentioned species is to be considered as the type of the genus.
Of the five numbers given at the end of the descriptions, the first
indicates the number of the abdominal scutellje from chin to anus.
The second is that of the pairs of subcaudal scutella? ; the third, the
dorsal rows or the number of rows of scales around the body (ex-
cluding the abdominal series). The fourth number shows the entire
length of the animal, and the fifth the length of the tail, in English
inches.
In referring to the dorsal rows, the exterior one, or that next the
scutellae, is considered to be the first, unless the contrary is stated.
When there are two numbers separated by the symbol at the be-
ginning of the measurements, the fii'st indicates the number of entire
abdominal scutellte, the latter of those that are bifid or divided. The
subcaudal scutellas are to be considered as divided or in pairs, unless
mentioned to the contrarv.
In enumerating the number of labial plates, those on one side of
the jaws only are to be understood, and the terminal and median one
on the symphysis of the upper and lower maxillaries is never in-
cluded. On the upper jaw that plate is at the end of the snout, and
is the rostral.
The descriptions are all based on specimens preserved in alcohol,
unless otherwise stated.
INTRODUCTION. ix
Synopsis op Families and Genera, and list op Species of
North American Serpents.
Family I. — Crotalidae. Erectible poison fangs, in front.
Few teeth in upper jaw. A deep pit between the eye and nostril.
Family II. — Colubridae. Both jaws fully provided with teeth.
No anal appendages.
A. Loral and anteorhital both present
B. Either loral or anteorhital absent.
Family III. — Boidae. Both jaws with teeth. Rudiments of
hinder limbs or spiar-like anal appendages.
Family IV. — Typhlopidae. Teeth only in one jaw, either
the upper or lower. Upper jaw strongly projecting. Scales on the
belly instead of scutellae, disposed in several series like those on the
upper surface.
Family I. — CROTALID-SI.
Pac,'e
_ ., .^, ^^, f with small scale-like plates Crotalus 1
Tail with a rattle. J ^uh large plates arranged as in
Top of head covered (^ Colubfr Icrotalophorus 11
Tail without a rattle, /present Agkistrodon 17
Loral plate \ absent Toxicophis 19
INTRODUCTION.
Family II.— COLUBRID^.
A. Loral and anteorhital both present.
INTRODUCTION.
XI
Family II. — COLUBRID.a3, continued.
B. Loral or anteorhitals absent.
Anteorbitals
absent.
Prefrontals
Loral
absent.
Scales
one. Scales
.Haldea.
Page
122
L
/ carinated
\ smooth Farancia....l23
two. Scales?, / One nasal Abastor 125
smooth. Post- J \Two nasals Virginia 127
orbitals [one Celuta 129
., fPostabdom.se. divided... Tantilla 131
^•^°°t^ 1 " " entire.... Osceola 133
carinated Storeria 135
Family m. — BOrD-SJ.
Anteorbitals & / one.
superciliaries \ three.
Page
Loral one 'Wenona...l39
Lorals two Cliarina....l54
Family IV.— TYPHLOPID^.
Cephalic
plates con-
sisting of
Page
f Fi'ontonasals, nasals, oculars, parietals, and
I postparietals Rena 142
Prefrontals, frontal proper, fronto-nasals,
nasals, oculars, pre- and supra-oculars,
[ and parietals Ophthalinidion...l55
sii INTRODUCTION.
Systematic Index of well-ascertained Species or North
American Serpents.
(7%e new species are indicated hy an asterisk).
CROTALtJS, Linn.
Page
1. Crotalus durissus, Linn Penna., Louisiana, Mississippi.. 1
2. " adamaiiteus, Beauv South Carolina 3
3.* " atrox, B. & G Texas 6
4. " lucifer, B. & G Oregon 6
5. " confluentus, Say Arkansas, Texas 8
6.* " molossus, B. & G Sonora 10
7. " oregonus, IIoLBR Columbia River 145
CROTALOPHORUS, Gray.
1. Crotalopliorus miliarius, Holbe. ...Georgia, South Carolina 11
2.* " consors, B. & G Texas 12
3. " tergeminus, Holbr Wise. Mich. Ohio 14
4.* " Edwardsii, B. & G Mexico, Sonora 15
5. " Kirtlandii, Holbr Ohio 16
AGKISTRODON, Beauv.
1. Agkistrodou contortrix, B.&G... .Ohio, Penna., S. C, La 17
TOXICOPHIS, Troost.
1. Toxicophis piscivorus, B. & G Louisiana 19
2.* " pugnax, B. & G Texas 20
ELAPS, FiTz.
1. Elaps fulvius, Cuv South Carolina 21
2.* " tenere, B. & G Texas 22
3.* " tristis, B. &G MississiiDpi, Texas 23
EUTAINIA, B. & G.
I. Eutainia saurita, B. & G Mass., Penna., N. Y., Mel, Va... 24
2.* " Faireyi, B. & G Louisiana 25
8. " proxima, B. & G Ark., Texas, New Mexico 25
4. " infenialis, B. & G California 26
5.* " Pickeringii, B. & G Oregon 27
6. " parietalis, B. & G Texas 28
7.* " leptocephala, B. & G Oregon 29
8. " sirtalis, B. & G Me., Mich., N. Y., Penna., Md.,
Va., S. C, Miss 30
9.* " dorsaHs, B. & G Texas 31
10. " ordinata, B. & G Georgia 32
II. " ordinoides, B. & G California 33
INTRODUCTION.
Xill
12.* Eutainia radix, B. & G Wisconsin
13.* " elegaiis, B. & G California
14.* " vagrans, B. & G Mex., Cal., Oregon.
Page
.. 34
.. 34
.. 35
15.
16.
Marciana, B. & G.
conciuna, B. & G..
.Ark., Texas 36
.Oregon 146
NERODIA, B. & G.
1. Nerodia sipedon, B. & G Mich., Mass., Penna.,N.Y., Md.. 38
2. " fasciata, B. & G South Carolina 39
3. " erythrogaster, B. & G La., S. C 40
4.* " Agassizii, B. & G Lake Huron 41
5.* " Woodhousii, B. & G .Texas 42
6. " taxispilota, B. & G Georgia 43
7.* " Kolbrookii, B. & G Louisiana 43
8. " niger, B. &G Massachusetts 147
9. " rhombifer, B. & G Arkansas 147
10. " transversa, B. & G Arkansas 148
REGINA, B. & G.
1. Regina leberis, B. & G Mich., Ohio, Penna 45
2. " rigida, B. & G Penna., Georgia 46
3.* " Graliamii, B. & G Texas 47
4.* " Clarkii, B. &G Texas 48
NINIA, B. & G.
1.* Ninia diademata, B. & G Mexico 49
HETERODON, Beauv.
1. Heterodon platyrhinos, Late Penna., Va., S. C, Ohio, Miss... 51
cognatus, B. & G Texas 54
" niger, Troost Penna., S. C, Miss 55
atmodes, B. & G Ga., S. C 57
" simus, HoLBR S. C, Miss 59
" nasicus, B. & G Ark., Texas, Sonora, Cal 61
2.*
3.
4.*
5.
6.
PITUOPHIS, HoLBB.
1. Pituophis melanoleucus, Holbk... Carolina 65
2. " bellona, B. & G Texas, Cal., Sonora 66
3.* " McClellanii, B. & G Arkansas 68
4. " catenifer, B. & G California 69
5.* " Wilkesii, B. & 6 Oregon 71
6.* " annectens, B. & G California 72
SCOTOPHIS, B. & G.
1. Scotophis alleghanieasis, B. & G... Pennsylvania 73
2.* " Lindheimerii, B. & G Texas 74
3.* " vulpinus, B. & G Mich., Wise 75
2.*
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.*
8.
9.*
xiv INTRODUCTION.
Pagp
4.* Scotophis confinis, B. & G South Carolina TD
5.* " laetus, B. & G Arkansas ""
6. " guttatus, B. & G S. C, Ga., Miss 78
7. " quadrivittatus, B. & G.... Florida 80
8.* " Emoryi, B. & G Texas 157
OPHIBOLUS, B. & G.
1.* Ophibolus BoyUi, B. &G California 82
splendidus, B. & G Sonora !^3
Sayi, B. & G La., Miss., Ark., Texas 84
getulus, B. & G S. C, Miss 85
rlionibomaculatus,B.&G..Ga., S. C 86
eximius, B. & G Mass., N. Y., Penna 87
clericus, B. & G Va., Miss 88
doUatus, B. & G Mississippi 89
gentilis, B. «& G Ark., La 90
GEORGIA, B. & G.
1. Georgia Couperi, B. & G Georgia 912
2. " obsoleta, B. & G Texas 158
BASCANION, B. & G.
1. Bascanion constrictor, B. & G Penna., Md., Miss., S. C, La.... 93
2.* " Fremontii, B. & G California 95
3.* " Foxii, B. &G Mich., Penna 96
4. " flaviventris, B. & G Texas, Cal 96
5.* " vetustus, B. & G Cal., Oregon 97
MASTICOPHIS, B. & G.
1. Masticophis flagelliformis.B.&G.. .South Carolina 98, 149
2. " flavigularis, B. & G Texas, Ark 09
3. " mormon, B. & G Utah 101
4.* " ornatus, B. &G Texas 102
5. " taeniatus, B. & G California 103
6.* " Schottii, B. &G Texas 160
SALVADORA, B. & G.
1.* Salvadora Grahamias, B. & G Sonora 104
LEPTOPHIS, Bell.
1. Leptophis aestivus, Bell Md.,Va., S. C, Miss 106
2.* " majaUs, B. & G Texas, Ark 107
CHLOROSOMA, Wagl.
1. Chlorosoma vernalis, B. & G Me., Mass., N. Y., Penna., Mich.
AVisc, Miss 108
CONTIA, B. & G.
l.-» Contia mitis, B. & G Cal., Oregon 110
INTRODUCTION. XV
DIADOPHIS, B. & G.
Page
1. Diadophis punctatus, B. & G N. Y., Tenna., Ga., S. C, Miss.. 112
2.* " amabilis, B. & G California 113
3.* " docilis, B. & G Texas 114
4.* " pulchellus, B. &G California 115
5.* " regalis, B. & G Sonera 115
LODIA, B. & G.
1. Lodia tenuis, B. & G Oregon 116
SONORA, B. & G.
1.* Sonora semiannulata, B. &G Sonora 117
RHINOSTOMA, FiTZ.
1. Rhinostoma coccinea, Holer S. C, Ga., Miss., La 118
RHINOCHEILUS, B. & G.
1.* Rhinocheilus Lecontii, B. & G California 120
HALDEA, B. & G.
1. Haldea striatula, B. &G Va., S. C, Miss 122
FARANCIA, Gray.
1. Farancia abacurus, B. &G S. C, La 123
ABASTOR, Gray.
1. Abastor erythrogrammus, GRAT...Ga 125
VIRGINIA, B. & G.
1.* Virginia Valerias, B. & G Md., Va., S. C 127
CELUTA, B. & G.
1. Celuta amoena, B. & G Penna., Md., Va., S. C, Miss.. ..129
TANTILLA, B. & G.
1.* TantUla coronata, B. &G Mississippi 131
2.* •' gracilis, B. & G Texas 132
OSCEOLA, B. & G.
1. Osceola elapsoidea, B. &G S. C, Miss 133
STORERIA, B. & G.
1. Storeria Dekayi, B. & G Wise, Mich., Ohio, Mass., N. Y.,
Pa., Md., S. C, Ga., La., Tex.. 135
2. " occipito-maculata, B. Me., N. Y., Lake Sup., Wise,
&G Pa. S. C, Ga 137
xvi INTRODUCTION.
■WENONA, B. & G.
Page
1. Wenona plumbea, B. & G Oregon 139
2. '^ isabeUa, B. & G Oregon 140
RENA, B. & G.
1.* Rena dulcis, B. & G Texas 142
2.* " humilis, B. & G California 143
SUMMARY.
Genera. Old 13
New 22
Total 35
Species. Old , 65
New 54
Total 119
SPECIES NOT SEEN.
1. ToJiicophis atrofuscus, Troost Tennessee 150
2. Coluber testaceus, Sat Rocky Mts 150
3. " Sayi, Schl Missouri 151
4. " vertebralis, Blainv California 152
5. " (Ophis) californiae, Blainv California 153
6. " (Sacholus) zonatus, Blainv.... California 153
7. " planicep.s, Blainv California 154
8. Charina Bottae, Gray California 154
9. Ophthalmidion longissi- 1 „, . , „
^ r. c% y Florida.? 155
mum, Bum. & Bibr. J
SERPENTS.
/fe. ^./--^ ./
Genus C R O T A I. U S,* Linn. ,^rfi^Op0- t^^r
Gen. Char. Upper surface of head covered with small plates,
scale-like, with a few larger ones in front. The tail is terminated
by a well-developed rattle. A deep pit between the eyes and the
nostrils. Subcaudal scutellae entire. Temporal and labial shields
small and convex.
»
1. CrotalMS dui'issus, Linn. — Head angular. Scales between the
superciliaries small, numerous, uniform. Plates above snout, 2 anterior
frontal, and 5 postfrontal. Suborbital chain continuous, of large scales.
Two rows between this and labials. Labials 12-14 above, 5th largest; 13-15
below. Scales on the back 23-25, all carinated ; carination on outer row
obsolete. Tail black. Above sulphur-brown, with two rows of confluent
brown lozenges. Light line from superciliary to angle of the mouth. Be-
hind this a dark patch.
Stn. Crotalus durissus, Linn. Syst. Nat. I. 1766, 372. — Gm. Linn. Syst.
Nat. ed. xiii. L, III. 1788, 1081.— Holbe. N. Amer. Herp. IIL 1842, 9. PI. i.
— Dekay, New Y. Fauna. Pt. III. 1842, 55. PI. ix., fig. 19.— Stoker, Rep.
Kept, of Mass. 1839, 233.
Vipera caudisona americana, Catesb. Nat. Hist. Carol. II. 1743, 41. PI. Ixi.
Banded Rattlesnake.
Head above covered with small subtuberculous scales. Supercili-
aries large. Anterior frontals large, triangular, emarginated behind
to receive a series of three small plates. A single subhexagonal plate
between the superciliary and anterior frontal. The exterior plate of
the posterior frontal row is much the largest, and is in contact with
* The names and characteristics of the higher divisions will be given in the sy-
nopsis of species.
The figures at the end of the descriptions refer, the Ist to the number of abdomi-
nal scutellaj ; 2d, to the subcaudal scutellse ; 3d, to the dorsal rows ; 4th, to thy
total length ; and 5th, to the length of the tail.
1
2 CROTALUS.
the superciliaries. A series of three or four larger flat scales extends
from the posterior extremity of the superciliary. Scales on the cheeks
very large, truncate. Anterior orbitals double ; the upper one rect-
angular, elongated longitudinally; separated from the nasal by two
small plates.
General color above, that of roll sulphur; beneath, whitish yel-
low. Along the back is a double series of subrhomboidal blotches,
looking as if they had been in contact, and then the line of junction
partially effaced for the three or four central rows. The impression
conveyed of the color of these blotches is that of coarse mottlings
of soot or gunpowder grains, more crowded exteriorly. There are
twenty-one of these blotches from the head to the anus, the tail being
entirely black. The rhomboids are enclosed within about twelve
dorsal series of scales. Directly opposite to these spots on each side
is a series of subtriangular blotches similarly constituted as to colour,
and extending from the abdomen to about the fifth lateral row, and
some six or seven scales long. Anteriorly these are distinct from the
dorsal series, but posteriorly they are confluent with them, forming a
series of zigzag blotches across the body. The scutellre below show
more or less of the grain-like mottlings. Posteriorly the yellow of
the body is sufi"used with darker.
There are no markings of lines distinctly visible on the sides of
the head. In the centre of the spaces between the dorsal and lateral
series of blotches are indications of small obsolete spots ; and in some
cases the yellow scales external to the blotches are of lighter colour
than the rest.
Huntingdon Co., Pa. 166. 25. 23. 42. 5. D. C. Lloyd.
Another specimen has the ground-color darker, more brownish
yellow. The markings, however, are on the same pattern, except
that the line of junction of the blotches is not so much effaced, and
the colors more decided. Lateral row of scales smooth, not cari-
ated. Plates of head similar. Fifteen labial plates, fourth upper
one the largest. The blotches are nearly uniform umber-brown,
margined with darker; the scales external to which are lighter than
the ground-color.
Lycominrj Co., Pa. 165. 25. 23. 25. Si. S. F. Baird.
A female from Huntingdon Co., Pa., has the general pattern of
the one last mentioned, but a dark brown tint pervades the whole
CRO TALUS. 3
body, and obscures tbe pattern of coloration. External row of scales
smooth. The inferior.orbital chain is composed of scales nearly as
large as the two next rows.
Huntingdon Co., Pa. ? 168. 18. 23. 35. 3J. S. F. Baird.
In a specimen from Prairie Mer Rouge, La., the general system
of coloration is similar; it differs principally in having a reddish
brown strip or tint down the back, for a width of some three scales,
extendino- from head to tail. First row of lateral scales smooth.
Plates of head as described, except that there are but two plates em-
braced between the two postfrontals. The upper jaw pale cream
colour, the line of demarcation starting from the anterior canthus,
and passing backward to the angle of the mouth, along the edge of
the labials, or rather a narrow cream-colored line beginning on the
upper labials, at the angle of the mouth, and widening on the fifth
plate, encloses the whole anterior portion of the face below the
nostrils. The white patch closely mottled with black beneath the
eye. A brown patch across and beneath the angle of the mouth, in-
terrupted by the white just mentioned.
Prairie Mer Rouge, La. 165. 27. 25. Jas. Fairie.
Mississippi. Col. Wailes.
2. CrotaltBS adaSManteaiS, Beauv.— Head triangular. Two an-
terior frontals, connected -witli siiperciliaries on each side by two large
plates : inside of these a second row ; included space filled by small scales.
Scales margining superciliaries small ; scattered larger ones toward the
centre of the intermediate space. Three I'ows of scales between tbe suborbi-
tals and labials. Suborbitals extending to the middle of the orbit. Labials
15 or 16 above ; 1st, 5th, and 7th largest and vertical ; — below, 18 ; 1st, 4th,
and 5th largest. Dorsal rows 27 ; outer rows obsoletely carinated. Three
or four dark rings on tail. Three series of well-defined perfect rhombs,
one dorsal, two lateral, separated by narrolv lines. Light stripe from su-
perciliary to 'the angle of the mouth. A second in front of the eye.
Stn. Crotalus adamanieus, Beauv. Trans. Amer. Philos. Soc. IV, 1824,
368.— HoLBR. N. Amer. Herp. Ill, 1842, 17. PI. ii.
C. horridus, Harl. Journ. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. V, ii, 1827, 370.
Diamond Rattlesnake.
Scales on the cheek smooth. Three rather large plates on the
edge of the upper part of the head, between the superciliaries and
rostral, inside of which is a second row of three, also larger than
the rest.
4 CROTALUS.
The two lower rows of lateral scales smooth. Third and fourth
very faintly cariuated. Scales on the back and sides not conspicu-
ously different in size except the lower 2 or 3 rows. Posteriorly,
near the tail, all the scales are carinated except the lowest.
General color, yellowish gray, with rhomboidal black blotches,
lighter in the centre, and with all the angles perfect. Or rather
there is a series of dull yellowish lines crossing obliquely from one
side of the abdomen to the other over the back, following the oblique
series of scales, and occupying generally the posterior half of each
scale, the basal portion being black. These lines, of which there are
about 36 crossing from each side, from head to tail, (9 on tail,)
decussate first on the 5th or 6th lateral row, and then on the back,
where they are more or less confluent three or four rows. The
rhomboids thus enclosed and crossing the back are generally black
for IJ or 2 scales within the yellowish lines, and the most central
portion is dark yellowish brown, mottled with darker. The inter-
vals on the sides between the lines are mostly dark yellowish brown,
minutely mottled with dark brown. These intervals constitute a
lateral series of transverse rhomboids, sometimes with the lower
angle truncated. Opposite to the dorsal rhomboids is a series of
small triangles in the angles of the first decussation. The distance
between two parallel transverse stripes generally consists of five
rows of scales, occasionally of six.
On the sides and posteriorly these markings are more or less in-
distinct, though generally recognisable. The tail usually exhibits a
good deal of black. The under parts are dull yellowish white, or
greenish white, clouded toward the sides with brown. No regular
spots visible. The black on the tail does not constitute complete
rings, but is interrupted in the middle of the lower surface, and in fact
the black patches alternate with each other, and are not opposite.
The top of the head is light brown, with occasional black scales.
A dull yellowish streak starts at the posterior edge of the supercili-
ary plate, and passing obliquely backward, through two rows of scales,
extends to the angle of the mouth. A second band starts on the
plate in advance of the superciliary, and crossing the anterior orbitals,
expands till it involves the 7th, 8th, and 9th upper labials. Inter-
val between the first two stripes dark brown. There are also indi-
cations of a second vertical light bar in front of the nostril, and two
below the pit. Rostral dark yellowish, lighter in the margin.
Charleston, S. C. 1G9. 32. 27. 48. 5]. Dr. Barker.
CROTALUS.
3. CrotalUS atrox, B. & G. — Head subtriangular. Plates on head ;
2 anterior frontals in contact, between these and superciliaries, on side of
the crown, 2 imbricated plates. Space enclosed occupied by smaller scales.
Superciliaries bordered by a row of larger scales; the anterior much largest.
Three rows of scales between labials and suborbitals. Labials 16 above;
1st, 5th, and 7th largest; — 15 below, 1st and 3d largest. Dorsal rows
25-27: 2 exterior rows smooth. On the tail 3-6 half rings. Color yel-
lowish brown, with a continuous succession of dorsal lozenges, sometimes
truncate before and behind; intervals all narrow. A single transverse
light line on superciliary. Stripe from superciliary directly to the angle
of the mouth.
General style of coloration somewhat as in C. adamanteris. Ground-
color above dull yellowish brown, with a series of subhexagonal
patches from the head nearly to the tail, in an uninterrupted series,
separated throughout by narrow lines. "We may refer the markings
to the intersection of two series of light yellowish lines, about 40 in
number, crossing obliquely from each side across to the other, along
the anterior half of as many oblique series of scales. The lateral de-
cussation is along the sixth row of dorsal scales; on the back, where
they cross, the lines are confluent for a breadth of five or sis scales,
making a series of transverse lines across the back, truncating the
obtuse angles of the rhomboids, which would otherwise be produced.
Sometimes the acute lateral angle of the rhomboids are also trun-
cated. Laterally, the yellowish lines are more or less obsolete, leav-
ing a more or less distinct chain pattern. The rhomboids or sub-
rhomboids enclosed have a narrow margin of dark brown, lighter
toward the centre. In all cases the interval between the successive
rhomboids is but one or two half scales in width. The lateral rhom-
boids and triangles referred to in C. adamanteus are indicated by
two alternating series of dark brown blotches, the first along the 3d
and 4th lateral row, opposite the apices of the rhomboids ; the second
along the Gth and 7th, and alternating with the same; the spots
occupy one scale, or part of four contiguous ones. Space between
these rhomboids and the yellowish lines, dull yellowish brown. Be-
neath nearly uniform yellowish, slightly clouded on the sides of the
scales. On the tail the blotches are confluent into 3 or 6 dark brown
half rings, interrupted on the under surface. General distribution
of lines on the head much as in C. adamanteus ; a narrow light line
from the posterior end of the superciliary backward, directly to the
6 CROTALUS.
angle of the moutli ; a second from tlie anterior extremity, nearly
parallel with the first, the two enclosing an indistinct patch, and sepa-
rated on the labials by 4J scales. There is also a single narrow
light line across the superciliary perpendicular to its length, obsolete
in old specimens.
It may readily be distinguished from C. o.damanteus by its light
color and the truncations of the rhomboids, as well as the general
obsoleteness of the lateral markings. The rhomboids are longer in
proportion and more rounded. The two lateral rows of scales are
smooth, the next two more strongly carinated than in C. adaman-
teus. The 5th upper labial is largest, and transverse ; the rest nearly
uniform. The stripes on the side of the head are less distinct.
From G. conflucntus, it may be distinguished by the greater com-
parative size of the interval between the dorsal blotches, especially
posteriorly. In G. covjiuentus, there are two light lines across the
superciliary plate, dividing it into three sections, the central rather
narrower. Here, too, the posterior facial stripe, instead of passing to
the angle of the mouth, goes back of it on the 2d row above the
labials, in C. atrox, passing directly to the angle of the mouth.
Other important distinctions are seen in the narrower scales of
G. conjiuentus, &c.
From G. hici/er, the more narrow head, fewer and larger inter-
superciliary scales, lighter color, arrangement of color along the head,
will at once distinguish it.
Col. J. D. Graham.
»
j>
})
4. CrotaiMS Baacller, B. & G. Muzzle broad. Scales between the
superciliaries numerous, small, and uniform. Plates on top of bead, 4 pre-
frontal, 4 postfrontal, or else irregular. Three rows scales between the sub-
orbitals and labials. Labials 16 above ; 1st and 5th largest ; — 15 below. Dor-
sal rows 25, exterior smooth, 2d and 3d with obsolete carination. Tail, and
posterior portion of body with 16 or 17 half rings. A succession of brown
dorsal hexagons or octagons, separated throughout by a narrow lighter
line. Light stripe from superciliary crosses the angle of tlie mouth on the
od and 4th row above labial.
Stx. Crdalus ludfer, B. & G. Froc- Acad. Nat. Sc. Phila. YI., 1852, 177 .
Indianola.
187. 23. 25.
33.
3i
ii
183. 27. 27.
39|.
,41,
cc
177. 28. 25.
36.
4|
?'
187. 23. 25.
15f.
11.
San Pedro,
Texas.
177. 28. 25.
36.
4f
CROTALUS. 7
Head very broad anteriorly, outline little tapering. Head above
covered with many small tuberculiforra scales, showing a substelli-
form radiation. Interval between superciliary plates filled with small
scales, nearly uniform in size ; row bordering the superciliaries verj'
small. Scales in front of the superciliaries variable : in one speci-
men there are two rows of four each, of considerable size ; in another
they are larger than the rest, but irregular. Scales on the cheeks
large, flat, smooth.
Ground-color, light brown above. Along the back a series of
subhexagonal or octagonal blotches, formed by a skeleton of dull
yellowish, constituting a dorsal chain. The space thus enclosed of
the ground-color is margined faintly with dark brown : the width
of the interval between the successive blotches is from one-half to
one and a half scales. These spots are frequently confluent, two and
three running together. Where most distinct the spots are four scales
long and eleven wide. On each side of this dorsal series is a second,
separated by a single row of scales, the blotches extending from the
abdominal scutellse to the 5th or Gth row. These are smaller than
the dorsal, and subcircular. Opposite the transverse light bands,
and in the open space between four contiguous blotches ou the sides,
smaller blotches arc indistinctly visible. Posteriorly, the spots on
the back and sides are confluent and darker; in one specimen form-
ing 17 half rings, encircling the back, leaving about 24 dorsal
blotches. Abdomen greenish yellow, more or less clouded with
brown at the bases of the scales. Head dark brown ; a light line
from posterior portion of the superciliaries along the 4th row of su-
pralabial scales back to the angle of the jaws, on the occiput, where
it expands into the color of the under part. Upper labials of the
same light color behind, rapidly widening anteriorly so as to include
whole front and side of the face, leaving only the top of the head
dark. The space about the facial pit darker.
The theory of coloration is that of decussating lines, which, when
they intersect, unite so as to have the angles of intersection truncated.
The species has a general resemblance to C. atrox in the arrange-
ment of the blotches, but is darker, and has about 17 dark half rings
posteriorly instead of 4 or 5. In G. atrox the head is narrower and
more triangular, the space between the superciliaries narrow, and
occupied by angulated larger scales instead of small tuberculous ones.
In C. atrox, the row bordering the superciliaries is much larger than
the rest, and the scales on the top of the head generally more angu-
8 CROTALUS.
lated. In C. lucifcr, the line on the side of the head, instead of
going directly from the posterior end of the superciliary to the com-
missures, passes back nearly parallel to the mouth, crossing along the
4th row of scales above the labial. The second line in front of the
eye is much wider below in C. lucifer, and the face generally shows
more of white, while the dark portions are much darker.
A specimen collected in California by Dr. Leconte resembles this,
but owing to the imperfect state of preservation, little definite can be
ascertained. The dorsal figures are, however, more in lozenges than
in hexagons. Color dark. Size, very large.
Oregon. 168. 25. 25. 27f . 3|. (in dep.) Expl. Esped.
5. Crotalus COllfluentus, Sat. Head subtriangular. Plates on
top of head squamiform, irregular, angulated, and imbricated ; scales be-
tween superciliaries small, numerous, uniform. Four rows of scales be-
tween the suborbital series (which only extends to the centre of the
orbit) and the labials. Labials 15 or 18, nearly uniform. Dorsal series
27-29. Dorsal blotches quadrate, concave before and behind ; intervals
greater behind. Spots transversely quadrate posteriorly, ultimately becom-
ing 10 or 12 half rings. Two transverse lines on superciliaries, enclosing
about one-third. Stripe from superciliary to angle of jaws, crosses angle of
the mouth on the second row above labial. Rostral margined with lighter.
Stn. Crotalus confluentus, Sat, in Zow^'s Exped. Rocky Mts. II, 1823, 48.
C. Lecontei, Hallow. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. VI, 1851, 180.
This species bears a considerable resemblance to C. atrox, but the
body is more slender and compact. Scales on the top of the head
anterior to the superciliaries nearly uniform in size. Line of scales
across from one nostril to the other consists of six, not four as in C.
atrox. Superciliaries more prominent. Labial series much smaller.
Upper anterior orbitals much smaller, as also is the anterior nasal.
Scales on the top of the head less carinated. Scales between super-
ciliaries smaller and more numerous, five or six in number instead of
four. Two lateral rows of scales smooth, first, second, and third
gradually increasing in size. Scales more linear than in C. atrox.
General color yellowish brown with a series of subquadrate dark
blotches, with the corners rounded and the anterior and posterior
sides frequently concave, the exterior convex. These blotches are
ten or eleven scales wide and four or five long, lighter in the centre,
and margined for one-third of a scale with light yellowish. The inter-
vals along the back light brown, darker than the margins of the
CROTALUS. 9
blotches. Anteriorly the interval between the dark spots is but a
single scale; posteHorlj it is more, becoming sometimes two scales,
where also the spots are more rhomboidal or lozenge-shaped; nearer
the tail, however, they become transversely quadrate. The funda-
mental theory of coloration might be likened to that of Crotalus
adamanteus, viz. of forty or fifty light lines decussating each other
from opposite sides; but the angles of decussation, instead of being
acute, are obtuse, and truncated or rounded off throughout. Along
the third, fourth, and fifth lateral rows of scales is a series of indis-
tinct brown blotches covering a space of about four scales and falling
opposite to the dorsal blotches: between these blotches, and opposite
to the intervals of the dorsal blotches, are others less distinct.
Along the fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth rows is a second series of
obsolete blotches, each covering a space of about four scales, and just
opposite the intervals between the dorsal spots. The dorsal and
lower series are separated by an interval of three scales, this interval
light brown. Beneath, the color is dull yellowish, and ten or twelve
darker half rings are visible on the tail.
In point of coloration the principal features, as compared with C.
atrox, lie in the dorsal blotches, being disposed in subquadrate spots
instead of subrhomboids ; the intervals thus forming bands across the
back perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. This tendency to
assume the subquadrangular pattern has broken up the chain-work
into isolated portions, as in Coluber eximius or CrotalopJioriis terge-
minus. The intervals of the dorsal blotches are wide and darker in
the middle, while in C. atrox they are narrow, not linear, and uni-
color. The sides of the head present the usual light stripe from the
posterior extremity of the superciliary ; it passes, however, to the
angle of the jaw on the neck, along the second row of scales above
the labials. A second stripe passes in front of the eye to the
labials, widening there. A small light vertical bar is seen below the
pit, and another on the outer edge of the rostral. On the supercili-
aries are seen two light transverse lines enclosing a space nearly one-
third of the whole surface. In C. atrox there is a single median
line. Sometimes, as in G. atrox, the single blotches on the nape are
replaced by two elongated ones parallel to each other.
Red River. 180. 27. 29. 34. 4. Capt. Marey.
San Pedro, Texas. 181. 28. 27. Col. J. D. Graham.
Bet. San Antonio)^ ^^gS. 23. 27. 27.3.
and Ll I aso. )
10 CROTALUS.
6. CrotalSSS B3:io2ossaiS, 13. & G. Muzzle broad ; rostral small.
Scales between superciliaries small, uniform, except the two anteiior. Two
frontal plates, four postfrontal. Two inter superciliary, all in contact. Five
rows scales between the labials and suborbital row. Middle row, not ex-
tending beyond the middle of the orbit. Labials 18 above, fifth and sixth
largest ; 17 below. Dorsal rows of scales 29. Two external rows small. Tail
uniform black. Color roll sulphur, a series of chestnut -brown transverse
lozenges, with exterior corners produced to the abdomen. Centres of lozenges
with one or two spots. Each scale but one color. A brown patch below and
behind the eye.
One of the most strongly marked of all the species. Head very
broad in front; outline nearly rectangular. Rostral small. Two
anterior frontals ; behind these four plates, the exterior resting on
the superciliary; behind these two other plates, between' and in
oontact with the superciliaries. Anterior nasal subtriangular. Top
of head with numerous smooth subtuberculous scales. Suborbitals
large, extending to the anterior canthus. General aspect smoother
than in Crotali generally, scales rounded at the posterior apex,
carinated but slightly.
General color above that of roll sulphur, beneath pale yellowish,
posteriorly very faintly clouded with brownish. Tail black. Ante-
riorly the scutelljB are entirely immaculate. Along the back is
a series of transverse reddish or chestnut-brown lozenges embraced
in a width of 12 or 14 scales and 4 or 5 scales long, and with the
exterior angles produced to the abdomen. These lozenges are
frames with the outline generally one scale in width and with the
centres of the ground-color ; sometimes divided by a median line of
brown, so as to show two yellowish spots inside of the lozenges.
The scales exterior to the lozenges are rather lighter. Sometimes
the brown rings and the lozenges widen at the abdomen and indicate
lateral spots of four scales; at others, and especially anteriorly, the
rings are obsolete, and the brown is in a dorsal series. In fact, for
the anterior fourth of the body we have a dorsal patch of brown,
showing alternately at successive intervals one large yellowish spot
and then a pair of smaller ones, owing to the confluence of the suc-
cessive lozenges. The superciliaries and scales anterior to them, as
well as a broad patch below and behind the eye, light greenish
brown. Tail uniform dark brown above, paler beneath. Only one
button with two necks, no rattle.
A remarkable character of this species is that each individual
CROTALOPHORUS. 11
scale is of the same uniform tint to its base, and not showing two
colours as in other species.
Fort ^Yehster, St. Rita | ^g^ ^5. 29. 33f 3. Col. J. D. Graham.
del Cohre, N. Mex. j
Genus CR0T AIi®FM® M US, Gray. >^ ^^r ;
Gen. Char. Upper surface of the head covered with nine large
plates, as seen in Coluber and allied genera. The tail terminates in
a rattle, generally smaller than in Crotalus. A deep pit between
the eye and nostril, as in Crotalus. Subcaudal scutellae entire, except
a few at the end of the tail, which are bifid.
Syn. Crotalophonis, Gray, Ann. Philos. 1825, 205.
1. Cr»talopIlorc5§ niiliai'iMS, Holbk.— Twenty-two or twenty-
three dorsal rows of scales, all of wbicli are carinated, the lateral and first
row but slightly ; a vertebral brownish red line ; seven series of blotches, one
dorsal and three lateral, on each side, the uppermost of which is obsolete
and the lowest subject to irregularities. Vertical plate subcordiform, occipi-
tal oblong and elongated. A narrow white line commences at the lowest
point of the orbit and passes obliquely backward to the angle of the mouth.
Stn. Crotalus miliarius, Linn. Syst. Nat. I, 372.— Gm. L. Syst. Nat. ed. XIII,
I, iii, 1788. 1080.— Mere. Vers. Syst. Amph. 1820, 156.— Hakl. Jour. Acad.
Nat. Sc. Phila. V, ii, 1827, 370. Holbr. N. Amer. Herp. II, 1838, 73 PI. xv.
Caudisona miliarius, Wagl. Syst. Amph. 1830, 176.
Crotalophonis miliarius, Holbr. N. Amer. Herp. 2d. ed. Ill, 1842, 25. PI. iv.
Vipera Caudisona americana minor. Catesb. Nat. Hist. Carol. II, 1743, 42.
PI. xiii.
Ground Rattlesnake.
Ground-color dark greyish ash, minutely mottled. A series of
thirty-eight to forty-five subeircular dorsal blotches extending from
head to tail, dark brown, each with a narrow distinct yellowish
border. Interval rather narrower than the spots themselves. A
broad band of purplish red passes from head to tail, through the
blotches. On each side may be distingui.shed three series of blotches,
the first on the first and second lateral rows of scales and partly on
the abdominal scutellfe. The second alternating with this on the
second, third, fourth, and fifth rows of scales, and opposite the dorsal
12 CROTALOPHORUS.
series. The third alternating with the second and the dorsal series,
on the fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth rows of scales. The latter
series is dusky and obsolete; the others are uniform and distinctly
black.
The shape of the blotches is subjected to some variation according
to individuals. Generally subcircular or slightly oblong, they become
sometimes a transversely elongated quadrangle, three times as long as
wide. Their shape varies according to the region of the body on
which they are found. On the anterior third they are subquadran-
gular, anteriorly and posteriorly emarginated ; on the middle region
they elongate, and toward the posterior third become nearly circular.
Backward of the anus the five or six blotches of that region extend on the
sides, without, however, meeting on the lower surface. The blotches of
the first lateral row are subquadrangular and a little smaller than those
of the second and third rows; the blotches of the second row being
transversely oblong and largest on the middle region of the body.
Side of the head purplish brown. A narrow distinct white line from
the lowest part of the orbit passing obliquely backward to the angle
of the mouth. Above and continuous with that white line a deep
chestnut-brown vitta is observed, of the same length but broader and
lined above with a narrow dull yellowish margin. Two undulated
dark-brown vittae extend from the vertex to the first dorsal blotch
and confluent with it. A double crescentic blotch is observed on the
frontal Scutellae leaving a transversal fulvous band across the head
between the orbits. The color underneath is reddish yellow, mar-
morated with brownish black blotches and minute dots.
The scales are elongated, carinated, and acute posteriorly. Those
of the lateral row are slightly carinated also, but narrower than in C.
consors, and more acute posteriorly.
Libert)/ Co., Georgia. 135. 28+5. 23.
Charleston, S. C. 136. 22+11. 22.
" 135. 30. 23.
" 135.31+5. 22.
" 136. 27. 23.
" 132. 34. 22.
2. CrotaloplloS'US consors, B. & G. — Twenty-five rows of dor-
sal scales, all carinated except the two fii'st rows on either side. Seven series
of blotches, one dorsal and three on each side, all very small. A yellowish
^yMte line passing from behind the nostril below and behind the eye.
151. 2i.
Di
'. Jones.
171. 2f.
Dr.
Barker.
14J. 11.
a
15i. U.
(I
13i. If.
11
14. li.
(C
CROTALOPHORUS. 13
Resembles C. miUarius in its general appearance, but without the
vertebral brownish red line. The ground color is olivaceous brown,
the blotches of a deeper brown, encircled with a black fillet margined
with a whitish yellow line. There are about fifty blotches in the
dorsal series emarginated anteriorly only, thirty of which are trans-
versely elongated, very irregular ; the twenty remaining ones nearly
circular, with regular outlines. The blotches of the lateral rows are
comparatively small and of nearly equal size, though sometimes one of
either row may appear much the largest. The blotches of the first
lateral series are opposite to those of the dorsal and afiect the 1st,
2d, and 3d I'ows of scales and the extremities of the abdominal scu-
tella). The blotches of the second series alternate with these, extend-
ing on the 3d, 4th, and 5th rows of scales. The blotches of the third
series are obsolete and alternate with those of the second series, and are
generally opposite to those of the dorsal series situated in the 5th,
6th, and 7th rows. The upper surface of the head is brown ; there
are two vittas extending from the vertex alonar the neck to the first
dorsal blotch. A broader and deep chestnut-brown band extends from
the eye to the neck. The frontal region is deeper brown than the
vertex. A yellowish white line starts from the nostrils near the upper
surface of the head, extending backward in passing between the eye
and the pit to the angle of the mouth. A vertical whitish bar extends
from each side of the pit to the labial. The belly is yellowish white
marbled with black transversely oblong patches. The vertical plate
is cordiform ; the anterior frontal plates proportionally small ; the
occipital rather broad. The scales of the body are elongated, a
little smaller than in C. miUarius, but not quite so acute posteriorly.
The two lateral and smooth rows are much broader than the rest
and conspicuous : most of the scales of these two rows are black, with
the posterior edge straw colored, giving the appearance of a succession
of distinct crescents. The tail is conical and tapering ; the rattle
composed of one ring besides the terminal one.
Indianola. 147.33.25. 18i. 2^. Col. J. D. Graham.
14 CROTALOPHORUS.
3. Crolaloplioraas tergeJllinilS, Holer. — Twenty-live rows of
dorsal scales, strongly cariuated, with the exception of the first row, -which
is perfectly smooth. Vertical plate subhexagonal, pointed posteriorly.
Seven longitudinal series of blotches. A narrow band of yellowish white
extends from the pit to the neck in passing close to the angle of the mouth.
Syn. Crotalus tergeminus. Say, Long's Exp. Rocky Mts. I, 1823, 439. —
Harl. Journ. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. v. iii, 1827, 372.
Crotalophorus tergeminus, Holbb. N. Amer. Herp. III., 1842, 29. PI. v.
Crotalophoriis, Agass. Lake Sup. 1850, 381. PI. vi. fig. 6-8.
Prairie Rattlesnake, Massasauga.
The ground color above is brown ; the blotches are deep chestnut-
brown blackish externally, and with a yellowish white margin. The
dorsal blotches are thirty-four in number from the head to the region
opposite the anus, twenty-six of which are transversely and irregu-
larly oblong, anteriorly and posteriorly emarginated — less so, however,
posteriorly ; eight are subcircular. Five or six exist on the tail from
the anus to its tip, extending on the sides, the last two forming
sometimes a complete ring. The next series on either side is com-
posed of small blotches, but as intensely colored as in the other
series. They alternate with the dorsal ones. They have no regu-
larity either in outline or position. The second lateral row is com-
posed of the largest lateral blotches. They are transversely oblong
or oval on the second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth rows of scales, and
opposite the blotches of the dorsal series ; consequently alternating
with the third series above. The first lateral series again is com-
posed of blotches intermediate in size between those of the third
and second series ; they occupy the first and second rows of scales,
and extend somewhat to the abdominal scutellje, and alternating
with the adjoining series. Two undulated vittae extend from the
supraorbital plates along the neck to the first dorsal blotch, and
often confluent with the latter. A linear vitta margined with
yellowish white extends from the posterior edge of the eye to the
sides of the neck; the inferior yellow margin is the broadest, and
passes from the pit close to the angle of the mouth, turning forward
to the middle of the lower jaw, enclosing a semi-elliptical brown
patch. Two elongated yellowish spots may be observed diverging
from both sides of the pit to the lip. The cephalic plates are deep
chestnut brown ; a transverse light brown band extends across the
head from one orbit to the other.
CROTALOPHORUS. 15
The color underneatli is blackish brown intermingled with yellowish.
Racine, Wise. 150. 21. + !. 25. 29^ 2f. Dr. Hoy.
Grosse Isle, Mich. 136. 31. 25. 19f. 2^^ Rev. Chas. Fox.
Warren Co., Ohio. 141. 29. 25. 28|. 3f. Dr. J. P. Kirtlaud.
4. CrolalopSaoi'MS Edwaa-nlsii, B. & G. — Twenty-three rows of
dorsal scales ; first and second lateral row smooth. Vertical plate subpen-
tagonal, tapering posteriorly. Lateral rows of blotches proportionally very
small.
The ground-color is yellowish brown with three lateral series of
deep chestnut-brown blotches. Two elongated brown blotches ex-
tend from the supercilliaries backward. A narrow band of chestnut
brawn, fi'om the posterior frontal plates, passes over the eyes to the
neck, under which a yellowish stripe extends from the nostril to the
angle of the mouth. The snout and upper jaw are brown with two
yellow fillets diverging from the pit. The lower jaw and chin are
mottled with brown and yellow. There are about forty-two dorsal
brown and irregular blotches margined with deep black and encircled
■with a yellow fillet, from the head to the tip of the tail — the 34th
opposite the anus — the last three passing to the sides of the tail
but do not meet below. Subcircular on the posterior half of the
body, the blotches on the anterior half are longer transversely than
longitudinally; emarginated anteriorly only.
The blotches of the two lateral series are proportionally small.
The blotches of the upper series are more or less obsolete and alter-
nate with the dorsal ones. Those of the second lateral series are the
smallest and alternate also, being of as deep a color as the dorsal
ones, but do not extend beyond the anus, occupying the second, third,
and fourth rows of scales. The first and lower series afi'ect the first
and second rows, and only one scale. The belly is of a light straw
color, dotted and sprinkled irregularly with brown.
Scales elliptical, subtruncated posteriorly, constituting twenty-three
rows, strongly carinated, except the two lateral rows, which are
smooth.
Head, when seen from above, subelliptical ; vertical plate propor-
tionally more elongated than in C. terrjeminus.
Tamaulipas. 143. 28.+3. 23. 17^.2^. Dr. Edwards.
S.Banh of Rio Grande. lb%. 14:. 23. 11. 1|. Gen. Churchill.
Sonora. ' 145.26. 23. 8*. li. Col.J.D.Graham.
1Q CROTALOPHORUS.
5. CrotalopSioriis Kirtlandii, Holbr."— Twenty-five rows of dor-
sal scales, sometimes only twenty-four, all strongly carinated except those
of the first lateral row. Vertical plate rather short and broad. Color in
the adult almost uniformly black, with a vertebral series of dusky brown
blotches, sometimes very obsolete. Underneath bluish slate, with the pos-
terior margin of the scutellse yellowish.
Syn. Crotalophorus Kirtlandii, Holbr. N. Amer. Herp. Ill, 1842, 31,
PL vi.
Black Massasauga.
The scales of the lateral row are as broad or high as long. Those
of the second row are but slightly carinated, and distinguished from
the next rows above in being broader and regularly elliptical poste-
riorly. The carinated scales are elongated, and the narrowest as they
approximate the dorsal region. They are posteriorly rounded or
subacute.
In the young, eight inches and a half long, the ground-color is
brown, with a dorsal series of deep brown spots transversely oblong,
emarginated anteriorly and posteriorly, almost quadrangular on the
posterior region of the body and tail; and thirty -four in number from
head to tail. There are three lateral series of blotches on each side j
the upper one composed of small and obsolete blotches, alternating
with the dorsal ones ; the second row is composed of vertically oblong
blotches, larger than those of the upper, and a little smaller than
those of the lower series. The latter extend partly on the abdominal
scutellfE, as in C. tei-gemimis and other allied species. Six or seven
rings to the rattle.
Warren Co., Ohio. 140.21+5.24. 23f. 2 J. Dr. J. P. Kirtland.
" 144.19+5.23. 24|. 2f. "
« 142.17+3.25. 25. 2^. "
" 143.15+9.25. 8i i. "
AGKISTRODON. 17
he
Genus AGKll^^TRODOIV, Beauv.
Gen. Char. A deep pit between nostril and the eye. Nine
plates on top of head. Without rattle. Poison fangs as in Crotalus.
One pair of occipitals. A loral between the nasal and anterior orbit-
als. Labials excluded from the orbit by the presence of suborbital
plates. Scales carinated; rows 23 in number. Subcaudal scutellae
divided posteriorly. Sometimes a small plate between the vertical
and postfrontals. Habits terrestrial.
Stn. Agkistrodon, Pal. de Beauv. Trans. Amer. Phil. Soc. Philad. IV,
1799, 381.
1. Ag'kisfrodon coBilorfrix, B. & G. — Loral present. Labials
not entering into the orbit. Dorsal rows of scales 23. Color light chestnut,
with inverted Y'Shaped darker blotches on the sides. Labials yellowish
white.
Stn. Boa contortriz, Linn. Syst. Nat. I, 273. — Gm. L. Syst. Nat. ed. xiii,
I, iii, 1788, 1082,
Agkistrodon mokason, Beauv. Txans. Amer. Philos. Soc. Philad. IV,
1799, 380.
Scy talus cupreus, Rafin. Amer. Journ. Sc. I., 85. — Harl. Med. & Phys.
Res. 1835, 130.
Trigonocephalus cenchris, ScHL. Ess. Phys. Serp. Part, desc, 1837, 553.
PI. XX, fig. 10 and 11.
Trigonocephalus contortriz, Holbr. N. Amer. Herp. II, 1838, 69 PL xiv, and
2d ed. Ill, 1842, 39. PL viii.
Copperhead.
More slender than ToxicopMs pisciovorus. Plates on neck and side
smaller. Two anterior orbitals, one above the other, the lower nar-
rower, and forming the posterior wall of the pit. A distinct loral
between these and the posterior nasal. Labial not forming part of
the orbit, but separated by the four post and suborbitals. Labials
not so largely developed ; 8 above, 3d and 4th largest ; 9 below.
Above light hazel brown, rather brighter on the top of the head,
and everywhere minutely mottled with very fine dark points. On
each side is a series of 15-26 darker chestnut-colored blotches resting
on the abdominal scutella;, and suddenly contracting about the mid-
dle of the side, so as somewhat to resemble an inverted Y- These
^OC. i>v
lYb
"18
AGKISTRODON.
blotches extend to the vertebral line, where they may be truncated
or end in a rounded apex. Generally those of opposite sides alter-
nate with each other, but frequently they are confluent above, form-
ing continuous bands. They are so disposed, that the intervals
between the successive blotches are pretty much of the same shape
and size, though inverted. The centres of the blotches are lighter;
in some cases so much so as greatly to increase the Y-shaped resem-
blance. Color beneath dull yellowish, with a series of distinct large
dark blotches, 35—45 in number, on each side. Chin and throat un-
spotted. Sides of head cream color; the line of demarcation very
distinct ; this passes along the upper edge of the head, in front of the
eye, and involving the lower three-fourths of the orbit, intersects the
middle of the 2d postorbital plate, (counting from above,) and ex-
tends along the 1st row above the labials, to the posterior edge of the
last labial ; the line then comes back through the middle of the lower
labial range, where it is marked by a narrow black line. Rostral of
the same color. A small areolated dark spot near the inner edge of
each occipital plate.
Cleveland.
ic
Foxhurg, Pa.
153. 40+10. 23.
152. 42+10. 23.
152. 32+18. 23.
152.32+18.23.
271.
29.
261
321.
3|.
41.
31.
4*.
3f.
Dr. Kirtland.
S. F. Baird.
a
u
Carlisle, Pa.
(I
Charleston.
221.
28^
2f
4i.
II
2-g-.
" 150.48. 23.
154. 42. 23.
154.48. 23.
150.40+8. 23.
Prairie Mer Rouge,La. 153.40+8. 23.
" *' 150.30+18.23.
Blotches larger and fewer, about 15 in number, and running more
upon the abdomen. Vertical plate larger and more acute posteriorly.
Bet. Indianola <^' 1 i r^n o
San Antonio. j
Sabinal. 150.31+17.23. Hi If. "
24|. 31
20J
201.3
C. Girard,
Jas. Fairie.
Col. Graham.
Toxicornis. 19
Genus TOXIC OPIIIS, Troost.
Gen. Char. No rattle. Pit and fangs as in Aghistrodon. Eleven
plates on top of head. No loral plate between nasal and anterior
orbital. A second and smaller pair of occipital plates contiguous to
the first. Labial entering into the orbit. Scales very conspicuously
carinated, forming 25 longitudinal rows. Subcaudal scutellas divided
posteriorly. Habits aquatic.
Syn. ToxicopMs, Troost, Ann. Lye. Nat. Hist. N. York, IH,
1833, 190.
1. ToxicopMs piSCivorus, B. & G.— No loral. Inferior wall of
orbit constituted by 3d labial : 25 dorsal rows. Dark chestnut brown, with
indistinct vertical dark bars. Line from superciliary along the edge of the
head, through the middle of the second supra labial row. A second line
from the lowest point of the orbit parallel to the first.
Syn. Trigonocephalus piscivorus, Holer. N. Amer. Herp. II, 1838, 63.
PI. xiii. and 2d ed, III, 1842, 33. PI. vii.
Water moccasin.
Scales all large and well developed ; those on the sides and back
of head conspicuously so. Two nasal plates with the nostril between
them. Anterior orbitals two, one above the other ; the upper ex-
tending from the eye to the posterior nasal, the lower linear, and
forming the upper wall of the pit. Lower and posterior wall of pit
constituted by a narrow plate resting along the 3d labial, and termi-
nating on the 2d. Third labial very large, constituting the inferior
wall of the orbit, of which three scales form the posterior. Upper
labials 8, very large and broad : lower 10. Occipitals terminated
each by a triangular plate. All the scales on the back of the head
carinated. Dorsal scales all carinated.
General color dark chestnut-brown, with darker markings. Head
above purplish black. An obsolete chestnut-brown streak passes
from the posterior end of the superciliary along the upper edge of
the head, through the middle of the 2d row of supralabial scales.
A narrow yellowish white line passes from the 3d labial, or begins
just below the lowest part of the orbit, and passing backward, paral-
20 TOXICOPHIS.
lei with the first stripe, crosses the angle of the mouth at the 7th
labial, and meets the first stripe on the side of the neck, where it is
confluent with the yellowish white of the throat. On the lower
labial are three short, nearly vertical light bars, on the 4th, Gth^
and 7th ; the rest of the jaw itself, as well as the interval between
the stripes on the sides of the head, dark purplish brown, of which
color is also the space in front and below the eyes. General color
above dull dark chestnut-brown. On each side a series of 20 or 30
narrow vertical purplish black bars, one or two scales wide. Of
these, sometimes two contiguous to each other on the same side are
united above into an arch, enclosing a space, the centre of which is
rather duskier than the ground-color ; at others, corresponding bars
from the opposite sides unite and form half rings, encircling the body.
Sometimes there is a lighter shade bordering the dark bars. Be-
neath black, blotched with yellowish white.
Prairie Mer Rouge. 140.24 + 21.25. 22|. 3j. Jas. Fairie.
2. ToxicopSsis pugnax, B. & G. — No loral plate. Second labial
displaced ; 25 dorsal rows. Above olive-brown, with narrow transverse
dark zigzag bars. Cheeks uniform light colored.
General structure of the plates as in T. ptscivorus. No loral.
Second labial pressed out of place, and with its apex alone on the
edge of the mouth. Scales of head smaller than in T. piscworus.
Outline different. Lower edge of orbit bordered by parts of two
labials.
General color above light olive-brown ; beneath yellowish, with a
series of indistinct square brown blotches on each side; chin and throat
unspotted. Tail entirely black. A series of transverse dark brown
zigzag lines are seen crossing the back, involving the entire surface
of single scales ; these lines are broken up more or less, so as to
render the definition of pattern very difficult. Sometimes the band
will be indicated merely by a few dark scales on the middle of the
back ; at others it may be traced to the blotches on the abdomen.
Of these blotches there are about 30 from head to anus. The inter-
vals between the bands are much larger than the bands themselves,
being from 3 to 6 scales in length. No indication of a dark patch
behind the eye, but the cheeks appear yellowish brown, brighter on
the labials.
^ 0^ Lidianoh, Tex. 145. 21 -f 21. 25. 30*. 5f . Col. J. D. Graham.
%
.^^L.
/^.
rfA/s i^v/'^
ELAPS. 21
Genus EL. A PS, Schn.
Gen. Char. Body slender and cylindrical, never exceeding three
or four feet in length. Head somewhat depressed, in most cases
continuous with the body ; subelliptical in shape, tapering forwards,
covered above with plates, generally nine in number. No pit be-
tween the eyes and the nostrils. Mouth moderately cleft, not di-
latable as in the other serpents. Upper jaw furnished on each side
with a small permanently erect fang, situated more posterior than in
Crotalidse. The tail is continuous with the body, conical, and taper-
ing towards the tip. Scales smooth; subcaudal scutellae entirely
bifid.
Syn. Elaps, ScHN. Hist. Amph. Nat. & Lit. 1801, 289.
1. Elaps fulvius, Cuv. — Head oval, posteriorly broader than the
neck. Body red, annulated with black rings margined with yellow. Verti-
cal plate pentagonal, rounded anteriorly ; its posterior tapering part in-
cluded between the occipitals.
Stn. Coluber fulvitts, Lwn. Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 881. — Giii. Linn. Syst.
Nat. ed. xiii, I, iii, 1788, 1104.
Vipera fulvia, Harl. Journ. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. V, 1827, 364.
Elaps fulvius, Cnv. Rf-gn. Anim. II, 1817.— Fitz. N. Class. Kept. 1826, 61.
— HoLBK. N. Amer. Herp. II, 1838, 87. PI. xviii; and 2d ed. Ill, 1842, 49.
PI.X.
Harlequin Snake.
The red may be considered as the ground-color of the body, though
the black rings occupy nearly as much space above as the red, so as
to give the general appearance of a succession of red and black rings.
The yellow is intermediate. The anterior part of the head from the
posterior point of the vertical plate, embracing the orbits, is black, as
is also the tip of the lower jaw. A yellow ring passes across the oc-
cipital region down to the inferior surface of the head, embracing the
space between the posterior rim of the eye and the angle of the mouth.
Then comes a black ring, covering eight dorsal scales, margined pos-
teriorly with yellow. From this region to the origin of the tail, the
black and red rings from 14 to 19 in number each, alternate, being
22 ELAPS.
separated from each other by a narrow band of yellow. The black
rings cover seven enth'e scales, and two halves ; the intermediate red
space, five entire scales and two halves ; and the yellow either one
and two half-scales or two halves only. Some red spaces may oc-
casionally cover nine and ten scales. The tail is alternatively black
and yellow ; the first caudal ring is black, and embraces ten scales j
the second is yellow, and covers three scales. Two black and two
yellow succeed and cover the same ground. The tip of the tail is
black on five scales. The tip may be either black or yellow, for,
according to the size, there are either three or four black rings.
Underneath the colors are the same, but dull ; occasionally one or
more black rings may not surround the body. The reddish spaces
are irregularly blotched with deep black, as also sometimes on the
upper surface.
Charleston, S. C. 207. 30. 15. 28*. 3*. C. Girard.
" 205. 39. 15. 221. 2f . Dr. S. B. Barker.
« 209. 37. 15. 17J. II. "
2. £la.ps tenerw, B. & G.— Head narrow, elongated, continuous with
the neck and body. jBody fawn-colored, annulated with black and yellow.
Vertical and occipital plates narrow and elongated.
The ground-color is of a light fawn, dotted with black, annulated
with black rings about one-third narrower than the fawn, and with
yellow rings about the half of the width of the black ones. The an-
terior portion of the head is black, from the posterior rim of the eye
across the middle of the vertical plate to the mouth, scarcely afi'ecting
the tip of the lower jaw. A yellow ring embraces the occipital
region from the eyes to the angles of the mouth. There are thirteen
black rings from the head to the origin of the tail, and twice as many
yellow ones, the fawn-colored rings being equal in number to the
l)lack ones. The first black ring covers eight scales. The succeed-
ing ones cover only sis, and occasionally the half of the next scale.
The yellow rings embrace two entire scales and two halves. The
fawn-color intermediate covers nine or ten scales, the last but one
only seven or eight, and the last five or sis. On the tail the fawn is
absent, and two black and two yellow rings alternating cover the
whole space. The first of the caudal rings is black, and embraces ten
and two half-scales; the yellow coming next, covers four scales; the
second black one twelve and two half-scales ; the second yellow also
ELAPS. 23
four scales ; the extreme tip of tail is black. Underneath, the color-
ation is the same, with less brilliancy ; the f;iwn-colored rings are
maculated with black blotches.
The proportional difference in width between the colored rings con-
stitutes a great difference between this species and E. fulvius. It is
a much more slender snake, provided with a more slender head, which
imparts to the cephalic plates a more elongated shape, especially to
the vertical and occipitals. The eyes also are much smaller.
San Pedro of Rio
j 237+i
^ , . _. ,-2. 26. 15. 171. 1|. Col. J.D.Graham.
Grande.
New Braunf els, Tex. 2^0+1.2.^. lb. 26. 2. F. Lindheimer.
" 224+1. 38. 15. 22. 2i. "
3. I^liips tristis, B. & G. — Head broad behind, pointed forwards.
Vertical plate subpentagonal, equilateral, with its posterior triangular part
short and obtuse. Eyes proportionally small.
The afl&nities of this species are intermediate between E. fulvius
and E. tencrd It has the red-colored ground, annulated with black
rings, fourt^n in number, and covering five or six scales above, oc-
casionally seven, and only three or four when reaching the outer or
lateral rows : thus these rings diminish towards the abdomen. The
yellow rings on the other hand have the same width as in E. fulvius,
embracing one entire row of scales and two halves. The intermedi-
ate red spaces affect six or seven scales, dotted all over with deep
black, as in the two preceding species. The tail has four black and
three yellow rings, the tip being yellow. The first three black ones
embrace nine and eight scales, the fourth only six. The intermedi-
ate yeilow cover three or four scales.
The shape and structure of the head, as given above, are the pro-
minent distinguishing characters.
Kemper Co., Miss. 203. 41. 15. 17|. 2^. D. C Lloyd.
Rio Grande.W. of ^ ^a -ic iai ii r^ r^^ 1-11
„ , . \ 209. 40. 15. lOJ. li-. Gen. Churchill.
A«» Antonio. )
24 EUTAINIA.
'/< .'
jLu^ \ ) Genus EUTAIIVIA, Baird & Girar.
Gen. Char. Body moderately stout in some species, slenderer in
others. Scales carinated. Skin very extensible. Cephalic plates
normal. Anterior orbitals 1 ; posterior 3. Abdominal scutellae all
entire; subcaudal divided. Dorsal rows of scales 19-21. Abdomi-
nal scutellae, 140-170. Subcaudal, 50-120. General color, three
light stripes on a darker ground, intervals with alternating or tesse-
lated spots. Abdomen without square blotches. Mostly terrestrial.
Many of the species ovo-viviparous.
-I
'MP
A. Body very slender, elongated. Tail very long. Lateral stripe
■^ .' jr! on the third and fourth rows of scales. Dorsal rows 19.
,4^>'M<
1. Hutainia ^aurita, B. & G. — Very slender. Color above light
chocolate. Three stripes of uniform yellow. Below the lateral stripes, light
brown. Abdomen greenish white. On an average the length of tail is more
than one-third the total length.
Stn. Coluber saurita, Linn. Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 385. — Gm. Linn. Syst.
Nat. ed. 5.iii, I, iii, 1788, 1109. — Hael. Journ. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. V,
1827, 352.— Stoker, Eep. Kept. Mass. 1839, 229.— Thomps. Hist, of Verm.
1842, 115.
Leptophis sauritus, Holbr. N. Amer. Herp. Ill, 1842, 21, PI. iv. — Dekay,
New York Fauna, 1842, 47. PI. xi, fig. 24.
Riband Snake ; Swift Garter Snake.
A broad vertebral line of sulphu. -yellow, occupying one and two
half-rows of scales, the line margined for half a scale on each side
with black. A lateral stripe on each side along the 3d and 4th rows
of lateral scales ; the scales in the exterior edges of this stripe occa-
sionally speckled or margined with black. Skin between the scales
black, with numerous small yellow lines, half a scale long, seen only
in dilating the skin. In some specimens the black shows as a series
of lateral spots. The usual double spot on the line of union of the
occipitals. Orbital plates yellowish white, as are the lower part and
sides of the head and throat.
EUTAINIA. 25
In one specimen from Westport, N. Y., there is a well-defined
black line under the lateral stripe.
Carlisle.
156. 115.
19.
35. 12^
S.
F. Baird.
a
157. 118.
19.
26f . 9.
(I
Washington.
157. 118.
19.
32i. 9.
((
Westport, iV. Y.
— —
—
u
Lancaster, Mass.
— —
— —
((
Virginia.
— —
c
. Sanford.
2. Eutainia. Faireyi, B. & G. — Body above blackish brown, with
three longitudinal stripes of uniform tint. Abdomen greenish white.
Stouter than U. saurita. Head large. Tail rather less than one-third total
length.
Syn. Tropidonotus saurita ? Schleg. Ess. Physiogn. Serp. Part, discr,
1837, 321.
A dorsal stripe one and two half-scales wide, and one lateral on
each side on the 3d and 4th row, of the same color, (greenish yellow.)
Scales broader and more rounded than in E. saurita ; head stouter,
color different. Differs from E. proxima, in having all the longitu-
dinal stripes of the same color ; from E. saurita in a stouter body, and
in having the color, below the lateral stripe the same as that above.
Body slender, but stouter than in E. saurita. The tail is propor-
tionally shorter than in E. saurita, but longer than in E. proxima.
Prairie Mer Rouge, La. 178. 115. 19. 30 J. 10. Jas. Fairie.
" " 174.114.19. 261:. 8.
« * « 168. — 19. 29. —
li
{(
3. £utaillia proxima, B. & G. — Body stoutest of the division.
Black above ; three longitudinal stripes, the dorsal ochraceous yellow or
brown, lateral greenish white or yellow. Total length about three and a
half times that of the tail.
Syn. Coluber proximus, Say in Long^s Exped. to Rock. Mts. I, 1823, 187.
— Harl. Journ. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. V, 1827, 353.
Deep brown almost black above and on the sides ; beneath green-
ish white. Dorsal stripe on one and two half-rows of scales, ochra-
ceous yellow, lateral stripe on the 3d and 4th rows of scales, greenish
yellow or white, markedly different in tint from the dorsal. Sides
26
EUTAINIA.
of abdominal scutellae, and 1st and 2d dorsal series of the same color
as the back. On stretching the skin, numerous short white lines are
visible. Occipital plates with two small approximated spots on the
line of junction. Orbitals whitish. The greenish white of the ab-
domen becomes more yellow anteriorly.
In some specimens from along the Rio Grande the dorsal stripe is
ochraceous brown.
Head more like that of E. saurita than of E. Fcdreiji, while the
body is stouter than in either. The subcaudal scales are less nume-
rous than in the other two allied species. Resembling E. Faireyi in
color, it is always distinguishable by the stouter body, fewer caudal
scales, and dissimilarity of color in the longitudinal stripes.
Red River.
New Braunfels, Texas.
Near Indianola.
San Pedro, Texas.
Sahinal, Neio Mex.
3Iedina, New Mex.
170.
100.
19.
33.
9.
1 McClellan.
171.
100.
19.
25J.
1\.
F. Lindheimer.
170.
105.
19.
151.
■^-
Col. Graham.
178.
108.
19.
19.
O4 .
u
169.
105.
19.
14.
4.
a
<(
B. Body stouter. Tail shorter. Lateral stripe on tJie 2d and 3d
row 0/ scales.
1. Dorsal rows 19.
4. Ulutaillia illfernalis, B. & G. — Most slender of all the species
of the section. Head and eye large. Above black: a series of about 110
triangular reddish yellow spots, confluent with the indistinct lateral stripe,
itself confluent with the greenish white sides and abdomen.
Syn. Coluber infernalis, Blainv. Nouv. Ann. Mus. d'Hist. Nat. Ill, 1834,
59. PI. xxvi, fig. 3 & 3a.
Aspect colubrine, as indicated by Blainville. A vertebral line of
yellowish white, composed of one and two half-rows of scales, on
each side of which is a blackish stripe, not encroaching upon the
light colored stripe along the 2d and od lateral rows of scales.
Above the latter the black is interrupted by about 110 subtriangu-
lar spots of reddish yellow or reddish white. Abdomen and exterior
row of dorsal scales are greenish white, tinged posteriorly with slate.
A minute black spot, more or less covered by the incumbent scutellge
EUTAINIA. 27
on each side of eacli abdominal scale, near the extremity. No occipi-
tal spot.
The exterior row of dorsal scales is earinated, and larger than the
rest, which are about equal. The scales of the slender tail are like-
wise earinated.
A specimen collected on Sacramento River by the Exploring Ex-
pedition is smaller, but very similar. As usual in small specimens,
the black is in the form of isolated spots, confluent above, with an
olivaceous brown ground.
California. 163. 83. 19. 25 J. 6*. Dr. Wm. Gambel.
Sacramento River. 170. — 19. 13 f. 3*. (ondep.) Expl. Exped.
5. Eutalnia PicKermg-ii, B. & G.— Body slender. Black above,
slate-color beneath. Lateral stripe irregular, confluent with the light-colored
intervals between the dark spots.
This species exhibits great variations in color, principally in re-
gard to the amount of black on the abdomen and the extent of the
stripes. The most strongly marked specimen is of an intense black,
tinged with bluish below. There is a very narrow greenish white
vertebral line, beginning at the nape, where it occupies one and two
half- scales, and gradually narrows to the carina of the middle dorsal
row, becoming obsolete at the anus. The carinfe of the 2d and 3d
rows of exterior dorsal scales show the faint line of greenish white,
only perceptible on close observation. The lores, labials, cheeks,
and head beneath, greenish white, gradually shading into the blue-
black of the abdomen at or about the anterior fifth.
Puget Sound, Or. 158. 73. 19. 26:}. 6 J. (on dep.) Expl. Exped.
In another specimen, with the general color very dark, the verte-
bral line occupies one and two half-scales throughout. The black on
each side appears formed by the confluence above of about 76 spots
from head to anus, each spot from IJ to2 scales lotig. In other
words, there is a stripe of black 3 J scales wide on each side of the
vertebral line, confluent with which is a series of black spots on each
side, as indicated. The lateral stripe is on the 2d lateral row of
scales, of a greenish white color, and confluent with the intervals of
the spots also of the same color. The stripe is not well defined, but
swells and narrows like a knotted cord. Exterior row of dorsal
23 EUTAINIA.
scales and sides of abdomen deep blue-black, becoming greenish to-
ward the middle of the abdomen ; anteriorly the color shows more
white.
Puget Sound, Or. 170. 86. 19. 18. 4i. (on dep.) Expl. Exped.
In other specimens the lateral lines are better defined, though al-
ways more irregular than usual. Sometimes the color above is more
brown than described ; inferiorly, however, there is always a slate-
blue tint, especially behind.
Puget Sound, Or. 166. 87. 19. 21}. 5|. (on dep.) Expl. Exped.
« « . 161.75.19. 26. 5
In this species the inequality between the exterior dorsal row of
scales and the rest is inconspicuous. The former is rather the larger,
and little or not at all carinated. The second row is about the same
size as the rest. The eyes are larger, and the head shorter than iu
E. leptocepliala, from the same locality.
Collected by the United States Exploring Expedition, and dedi-
cated to the discoverer, Dr. Charles Pickering.
6. Eutainia parietalis, B. k G.— Above olive-brown: beneath
slate-color. Longitudinal stripes greenish. Spaces about and between the
dark spots on the sides, brick red, these colors belonging to the skin, not to
the scales.
Syn. Coluber parietalis, Sat, in Long^is Exped. to Eock. Mts. I, 1823, 186.
— Hael. Journ. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. V, 1827, 349.
Body apparently more slender than E. sirtalis. In many respects
resembling E. Fk-keringii. The only specimen being a stretched skin
preserved in alcohol, the colors are somewhat difficult of definition.
Above dark olive, beneath light slate-color, except the inferior sur-
face of the head, which is yellowish white. A broad longitudinal
dorsal line of one and two half-rows of scales, and an equally dis-
tinct one on each side on the second and third dorsal rows, of a
greenish slate. The sides of the abdomen and the exterior dorsal
row are dark slate-brown. When the skin is stretched, there are
seen on each side, between the dorsal and lateral rows, two rows of
quadrate black blotches, the first quite distinct, between the third and
fiixth rows ; the second between the sixth and vertebral line, the spots
EUTAINIA. 29
more or less confluent above with each other, and with those on the
opposite side; the blotches about one scale apart. The intervals
between the blotches of a vivid brick-red, which color, as well as the
black, is sometimes seen on the bases of the adjoining scales. None
of the short white lines of E. sirtalis are visible. More or less of
white on the inferior surface of the tail.
The color when living, as described by Say, is black-brown above,
beneath bluish green, head beneath white. A vertebral greenish
yellow line, and a lateral pale yellow one : about eighty concealed
red spots or semifascise on the skin and lateral margin of the scales.
Betic. San Antonio 8r El Paso. Ibl. IS. Id. 36. 8 J. Col. Graham.
T. Eutainia leptocephala, B. & G.— Scales on the greater
portion of tail scarcely carinated. Tlie two exterior dorsal rows on each
side unequal, but conspicuously larger than the rest ; outer one not cari-
nated. Head slender, plane above. Orbitals 3 posterior; 2 anterior. Above
light olive-brown, with distinct small brown spots, 130 in a series from
head to anus.
Exterior row of dorsal scales broader than usual, not carinated;
second smaller, but also broader than usual, and faintly carinated.
Top of head nearly plane from occiput to anterior frontals. Head
narrow and depressed. Eyes small. Labials narrow. Scales on
sides of anus not conspicuously smaller.
Color dull light olive-brown or light chocolate, beneath pale green-
ish slate : when the epidermis is removed, the subjacent skin of the
abdomen is seen minutely punctured and clouded with black, so as to
impart this latter color to the whole, except near the edge. A ver-
tebral dull yellowish line on a single row of scales which appears
more prominent than the rest. On each side of this vertebral line
are two series of subquadrate black spots, about 130 from head to
anus, on about every other scale, or even closer, and showing very
conspicuously on the clear ground-color. Bases of all the scales on
the sides of the body are more or less black, occasionally showing
beyond the incumbent edges. Little or no indication of a lateral
stripe. The lower series of black spots is continued in a faint line
along the side of the head to the orbit. In one specimen the color-
ation is less defined, showing a greenish white color above, with tessel-
lated small spots of black. >
30
EUTAINIA.
Puget Sound,
Or.
146.
59.
19.
16.
3tV
((
11
149.
66.
19.
23*.
5.
a
11
144.
63.
17.
17J.
4|.
a
ii
148.
19.
20.
4.
(on dep.) Expl. Esped.
u «
8. Eutainia Sirtalis, B. & G. — Body among the stoutest of their
form. Olivaceous brown above the lateral stripes, sometimes nearly black,
beneath them greenish white ; dorsal stripe narrow, encroached upon by the
spot; lateral stripes not conspicuous ; two or three rows of small indistinct
spots, often not perceptible, especially the lower: about 70 from head to
anus.
Stn. Coluber sirtalis, Linn. Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 383.— Gm. Linn. Syst. Nat.
ed. xiii, I, iii, 1788, 1107.— Hael. Journ. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. V, 1827,
352.— Stoeer Rep. Kept. Mass. 1839, 221.
Tropidonotus bipunctatus, Schl. Ess. Physiogn. Serp. Part, descr. 1837, 320.
Tropidonotus sirtalis, Holbe. N. Amer. Herp. Ill, 1842, 41. PI. xi.
Tropidonotus tasnia, Dekay, New Y. Fauna, Kept. 1842, 43. PI. xiii, fig. 27.
Striped Snake. Garter Snake.
Color above the lateral stripes dark olive, in old specimens dark
brown, beneath greenish white. A narrow, rather indistinct verte-
bral greenish yellow line. Three series of small indistinct spots on
each side, of about 70 from head to anus. The first series is along
the exterior dorsal row, the spots about two scales apart. This is
sometimes entirely wanting. The second series is on the 3d, 4th,
and 5th rows from the abdomen ; the third upon the 8th and 9th.
In many cases the last-mentioned rows have the spots on opposite
sides more or less confluent, giving the appearance of a single median
series. These rows of spots are sometimes of a dark chestnut-brown,
at others nearly black, and often so blended with the olivaceous of
the back as to be scarcely discernible. Numerous short white lines
visible on stretching the skin.
Although the 1st, 2d, and 3d exterior dorsal rows of scales are
colored like the abdomen, yet a lighter shade on the 2d and 3d gives
indication of a lateral stripe.
The bases of the abdominal scales on each side near the outer ex-
tremities have a black blotch. There is also the usual double spot
on the occiput, not areolated. The dark spotting on the sides be-
longs more or less to the skin between the scales, in some cases
merely tinging the edges of the latter.
'TV/Lt'-J^TvoVi^^
t t
; »
; liMMkcL
:CA*%^ ir
4-
ft
» t
A'Krv
T-,
«. * ' ft
.. .. 1)
If
I
i>
/^
/^
/^
/? '
19
n
If
n
n
li
/ ^i .s-7
/H
66
yy
u
^,7
31
Hough.
. Baird.
u
u
i(
a
li
as. Fox.
ii
II
Girard.
!aldwell.
ennerly.
((
a
^ Baird.
li
(I
(I
Barratt.
s Paine.
!. Lloyd.
*, Force.
e dorsal
•k spots,
exterior
md very
or dark
J. Baird.
s. Outer
pe broad,
•ipe.
led, and
1 side for
1 and 3d
■pace be-
30
Puget Sou
u u
U II
S. Euf:
form. 01i-\
beneath the
spot; later
spots, often
anus.
Stn. C(
ed. xiii, I,
352.— Stob
TropidoTK
Tropidom
Tropidom
Striped S
Color a
brown, be
bral green
each side,
the exteri
sometimei
and 5th r(
In many <
sides more
series. I
at others
the back ;
visible on
Althou;
colored lil
indication
The ba:
treniities ;
on the oc
longs moi
merely tii
EUTAINIA. 31
St.LawrenceCo.,N.Y. Ibl.— 19. 15. 3i Dr. Hough.
Westport, K T. 151. 80. 19. 21. 5i. S. F. Baird.
AdirondachMts.,N.Y.UQ.— 19. 24 i. — "
« 151. — 19. 20i — "
« 148. — 19. 14^ — «
Summerville, N^. Y. — — — — — "
Iladrid, iV. Z _ _ _ «
Grosse He, Mich. — — — Kev. Chas. Fox.
a (( u
U (C (I
Androscoggin, Me. 155. 66. 19. 21 J. 4i. C Girard.
Portland, Me. — — — Prof. Caldwell.
Clarke Co., Va. 151. — 19. 26. — Dr. Kennerly.
« 160. 56. 19. 18i. 3|. "
« 145. — 19. lOf. 2J. "
Centreville, Md. 151. 75. 19. lOi. 2 J. S. F. Baird.
Foxhurg, Pa. 150. 70. 19. 24. 5|. "
" 147. — 19. 18. 4. "
Carlisle, Pa. _ _ _ «
Abheville, S. C. 155.— 19. 11 J. 3. Dr. Barratt.
Anderson, S. C. — — — — — Miss Paine.
Eemper Co., Miss. ' 139. 60. 19. 29i. 6. D. C Lloyd.
" '138. — 19. 11 J. — "
Washington, D. C. — — — Col. P. Force.
A very old specimen from Westport, N. Y., (?) has the dorsal
line more conspicuous, but still encroached upon by the black spots,
(on the exterior half-row.) Bases of all the scales in the exterior
row black. Lateral stripe and exterior row bright yellow, and very
conspicuous, brighter than the dorsal stripe. Ground-color dark
brown.
Westjyort, N. Y. ? 145. 64. 19. 34. 7. S. F. Baird.
9. Elutainia <Ior§ali!^, B. & G. — Dimensions of E. sirtalis. Outer
rows of dorsal scales emarginate. Color olivaceous. Dorsal stripe broad,
yellow, margined with black. A row of spots above the lateral stripe.
A broad dorsal stripe of greenish white very well defined, and
covering one and two half-rows of scales, margined on each side for
one scale continuously with black. On each side, on the 2d and 3d
exterior rows, likewise a broad stripe of the same color. Space be-
32 EUTAINIA.
tween the stripes bright olivaceous, in which on each side is indis-
tinctly seen a series of rather large spots, about 74 in number from
head to anus, and ranged just above the lateral stripe. Abdomen,
and below the lateral stripes greenish white, not materially differing
from the stripes in color, only rather darker. Sides of abdominal
scutellae, and the upper basal edge of the scales in the exterior dorsal
row margined with black. A series of black dots on each side of the
abdominal scutella3 at the base. The scales in the exterior dorsal
row acutely emarginated, as are some of those in the 2d row.
A specimen collected between Monclova, Mexico, and the Rio
Grande, by General Churchill.
Rio Grande, Texas. 166. 81. 19. 25^ 61. Gen. S. Churchill.
10. Eutainia ordinata, B. & G.— Olive, with three distinct rows
of square dark spots on each side : about 85 from head to anus. Lateral
stripe wanting ; dorsal, very indistinct.
Syn. Coluber ordinatus, Linn. Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 879. — Gm. Linn. Syst.
Nat. ed. xiii, I, iii, 1788, 1097.— Harl. Journ. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. V,
1827, 349.
Tropidonotus ordinatus, Holbr. N. Amer. Herp. Ill, 1842, 45. PI. xii.
Vipera gracilis maculatus, Catesb. Nat. Hist. Carol. II, 1743, 51. LI.
Vipera viridis maculatus, Catesb. Nat. Hist. Carol. II, 1743, 53. LIII.
Garter Snake, or Grass Snake.
General color greenish brown or olive. Vertebral yellowish line
more or less inconspicuous. Lateral stripe on the 2d and 3d rows
of scales very little evident. In fact it might be almost said to be
wanting, but for a faint trace. Three series of small square dark
blotches on each side, about 85 in number from head to anus. The
first is on the outer row of dorsal scales, involving the edges of the
contiguous scales. The second on the 4th row ; the third on each
side of the dorsal stripe, both like the first, involving the edges of,
and intervals between the contiguous scales ; indeed, on stretching
apart the skin, the black spots are seen to be converted into a net-
work of black along the skin. Beneath greenish white, with spots
of black near each end of the abdominal scutellae. Upper labial
plates all prominently edged vertically with black.
This species strongly resembles E. sirtalis, especially the spotted
varieties. It may, however, be readily distinguished by the three
regular series of tessellated black spots on each side, their promi-
EUTAINIA. 33
nence, and their number, about 85, not 70. The lateral stripe is
nearly absent, and the dorsal quite indistinct. The lower row of
blotches is below and along the place of the lateral stripes. The oc-
cipital black patch is much larger than in E. sirtalis, and the labials
more margined.
From E. 3Iarciana, which it resembles, the want of the light
patch behind the mouth, and the different number of dorsal rows will
always distinguish it.
Ricehoro, Ga. 139. 68. 19. 28. 7. Dr. Jones.
" 141. 55. 19. 21. b\. «
Georgia. 152.79.19. 14. 3^ Prof C. B. Adams.
11, £utaillia ordinoi,d£g, B. & G. — A dorsal and two lateral
stripes. Ou each side two series of black spots, about 80 in number ; be-
tween the lower series reddish brown ; between the upper olivaceous. Dor-
sal rows 19-21. Body stouter than most species. Exterior row of dorsal
scales the larger, carinated. Remaining scales nearly equal. Caudal
scales strongly carinated.
Stx. Tropidonotus ordinoides, B. & G. — Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. VI,
1852, 17G.
A very strongly defined dorsal stripe of a yellowish color, occupy-
ing one and two half^cales. A second line less distinct along the 2d
and 8d rows from the abdomen. On each side, between the dorsal
and lateral stripes, are two series of subquadrate black spots, 80 to
84 in number, arranged alternately, and occupying portions of seve-
ral scales ; the spots in the lower series larger. Intervals between
the lower scries of spots occupied by reddish brown scales, in shape
and color somewhat resembling the dead leaves of the hemlock,
(Abies canadensis). Intervals between the upper series olivaceous
brown, more or less blended with the black. Beneath uniform green-
ish white, with bases of the scales black, as they are also on the more
exterior dorsal rows ; this color, however, rarely shows beyond the
margin of the incumbent scales.
In one specimen, which is much larger than the others, the dorsal
spots form a rather narrow margin to the broad dorsal stripe, and are
more or less confluent with the ground-color. Space between the
lower row of spots pale reddish. Dorsal scales 19. Ninety spots
from head to anus.
The characters are very strongly marked, and easily recognised.
3
^
34 EUTAINIA.
California. 161. 67. 19. 35i 7*. (84 spots) | ^^"^ ^^\^
SanFrancisco, Cat 165. 85. 21. 21|. 8|. "
" 167.84.19. 28J. 7i. (80 spots.) Dr. Leconte.
12. 'Euf ainia. radix, B. & G. — General color black, -witli three nar-
row gamboge-yellow lines. Lateral rows of scales broader than usual.
The head is shorter than usual with the genus. The exterior row
of dorsal scales is very broad, nearly as high as long. The second
nearly similar in proportion, (a little longer than high,) but smaller,
and yet markedly larger than the third and succeeding rows. Pos-
terior angle of the exterior dorsal scales truncated, with the corners
rounded off, a character seen to less extent on the second row. The
carination of all the scales is greater than usual, and the whole animal
has a rougher appearance.
Color above deep brownish black, on the sides verging to lustrous
anthracite black, especially on the exterior dorsal and sides of ab-
dominal scutellae. Beneath bluish black, with minute mottlings of
dull gamboge yellowish, which increasing anteriorly becomes uni-
form greenish gamboge yellow on the anterior third. A narrow line
of black near the posterior edge across each abdominal scutella. A
dorsal line of gamboge yellow along the middle of the vertebral row
of scales, and one on each side along the 3d lateral row, occasionally
involving the lower edge of the 4th row.
There are faint indications of the usual black spots where the
epidermis has been lost.
Racine, Wisconsin. 153. 51. 19. 22f. 4|. Dr. Hoy.
3. Dorsal rows 21.
13. E^tltainia elegans, B. & G. — Eesembles E. proxima, but be-
longs to a different section. Black above, light beneath. A broad ochra-
ceous dorsal stripe, with two lateral, greenish white. Dorsal scales 21.
Head very short, broad. Upper labial plates highly developed.
Eyes small. Exterior dorsal row of scales largest, delicately cari-
nated, remainder of equal size. Above deep blackish brown. An
ochraceous or dark gamboge-yellow dorsal stripe begins at the occiput,
and suddenly widening to the width of 3 or 4 scales, contracts gradu-
EUTAINIA. 35
ally to one and two half-rows, at which it continues to the tail. On
each side is a well-defined stripe of greenish yellow along the second
and part of the third outer row, and contrasting decidedly in color
with the vertebral line. The blackish brown color is strongly defined
between the stripes, below them the greenish white sides and abdo-
men are tinged with brown, (on the exterior dorsal and ends of ab-
dominal scutelltC.) The bases of the scales on the exterior dorsal
row are black, which sometimes shows when the scales are separated,
though usually covered by the incumbent edges.
The species is readily distinguished from its nearest analogue,
E. in/ernalis, by the darker color of the sides, the ochraceous dorsal
stripe, smaller head, number of dorsal scales, &c. It has a strong
resemblance to U. proxima in distribution of color, but is stouter
and shorter, and has the lateral stripe on the 2d and 3d rows, not on
the 3d and 4th.
El Dorado Co., Col. 167. 57. 21. 23 1. 4|. Dr. C. C Boyle.
A second specimen, belonging to the Boston Natural History So-
ciety, has precisely the same markings, although with but 19 dorsal
rows. As usual in young individuals, it has black spots along the
sides upon an olivaceous ground, with which they are confluent.
Above the lateral stripe are seen from 80 to 90 black spots from
head to anus, as well as a series of small ones below the line.
California. 155. 80. 19. 13 1. 3 J. Bost. Soc. Nat. Hist.
14. E^utainia vagrailS, B. & G.— Above light brown, beneath
slate-color. Vertebral light line on a single row of scales. Two series of
small black spots, about 100 in number, on each side.
Above light brown ; beneath slate-color, (sometimes black,) with
the margins of the scutellaj black. A dorsal line occupying a single
row of scales, of a dull yellowish color, the tint occasionally running
into the marginal row. On each side of this, two series of small
black spots occupying generally a single scale, and varying from 95
to 105, from occiput to anus. The upper series is in the 2d row
from the vertebral, the lower in the 7th.
Compared with its nearest neighbor, E. leptocephala, it differs in
having the exterior row of dorsal scales large and carinated, the next
t
36 EUTAINIA.
row scarcely if at all larger than the rest. Scales of tail decidedly
carinated. Labial plates much developed. It has also 21 rows of
dorsal scales, and 106, not 130 spots, in series from head to anus.
The head is larger and much arched.
The specimen from Puget Sound, may possibly belong to a closely
allied species, though it is much like that from California.
California. 169. 80. 21. 27. 6J. (98 spots) Dr. Gambel.
^^'"^^';'f" 1 179. 70-80. 21. 12.3. (100 - ) J. S.Eowman.
South of Rio ~\
Grande, N. 1 173. 90. 21. 15|. 4. (106 " ) Gen.Churchill.
Mexico. J
Pufjet Sound. 161.53. 21. 12|. 2^. (on dep.) Expl. Exped.
15. Eutamla Marciana, B. & G. — Prominent color light brown;
a vertebral jaaler line and one lateral on each side, more or less indistinct.
Three series of square black spots on each side, of about 56-60 in each series,
from occiput to anus. Sides of head black, with a crescentic patch of yel-
lowish posterior to the labial plates. Three and sometimes four black
vittse radiating from the eye across the jaws. A double white spot with a
black mai'gin on the suture of occipital plates.
The markings about the head are generally very constant and dis-
tinct. Viewed laterally, we see first the large dark brown patch at
the back part of the head, extending as far back as the posterior ex-
tremity of the jawbones. In the anterior part of this patch is seen
the crescentic patch (concave before) of yellowish white, with a more
or less narrow dark-brown margin anteriorly. The next black band
starts from the posterior edge of the superciliaries, and passes ob-
liquely downwards and backwards along the posterior edge of the
6th upper labial. Similar black margins are seen on the posterior
edges of the 5th and 4th labials, the intervening spaces being yel-
lowish white, particularly on the 5th upper labial. Occasionally the
posterior margins of the 7th and od labials have the black line as
well as those mentioned, which frequently extend across to the pos-
terior margins of the corresponding lower labials. The white spot
on the anterior portion of the occipital suture is always margined
with black.
The sis series of black spots are arranged so as to alternate with
each other. The lower or third series on each side is below the iiidis-
EUTAINIA.
37
tinct lateral stripe. The posterior edges of each abdominal scutella
shows a black margined spot on each side. The dorsal line is gene-
rally a single scale in width, occasionally including portions of the
lateral, and itself sometimes encroached upon by the black spots.
Each spot is about a scale or a scale and a half long, and about three
scales broad. The number in the dorsal series from the head to the
anus varies from 56 to 60. Posterior edges of scales very slightly
emarginate, if at all. All are decidedly keeled.
Red River, Arh. 152. 75. 21.
New Braun-
fels, Tex.
((
(C
153. 73
149. 61
152
21.
21.
71. 21.
Near San \
Antonio. )
163. 53. 21.
((
San Pedro.
Indianola.
160.
156.
85. 21.
78. 21.
153. 70. 21.
145. 66. 21.
o< o cr. L f Capts. Marcy&
34. 8. 56 spots. \ {^ ... .. ^
^ ( McClellan.
153. 75. 21. 16.
21^.
16f.
lOf.
20T^e
5i.
3i
21.
3*.
60
60
56
54
ei
cc
(C
IC
F. Lindheimer.
{{
i(
<(
58 " Col. J. D. Graham.
07a
Uh 3f.
111. 2i.
56
56
56
57
IC
cc
cc
cc
tc
te
C(
w
'V
/p
38 NERODIA.
Genus l^Eff&ODIA, Baird & Girard.
Gen. Char. Body generally stout, and almost all the species at-
taining a large size. Tail one-fourth or one-fifth of the total length.
Scales carinated. Cephalic plates normal. Anterior orbitals gene-
rally 1, occasionally 2 ; posterior 3, occasionally 2. Last and some-
times penultimate abdominal scutellas bifid; subcaudal, all bifid
or divided. Dorsal rows of scales 23-29. Abdominal scutellse
133-154. Subcaudal 66-80. General color, three series of dark
blotches on a lighter ground, sometimes almost uniform, brown or
blackish. Abdomen unicolor or maculated. Habits aquatic.
I. IVerodia, Sipedon, B. & G. — Head rather narrow, elongated.
One anteorbital ; three postorbitals. Vertical plate smaller, and occipitals
larger than in JV. fasciata. Length of vertical equal to commissural line of
occipitals. Inframaxillary plates extending near to posterior extremity
of seventh lower labials. DwW brown, with narrow transverse light bands
margined with black. Dorsal rows 23.
Syn. Coluber sipedon, Linn. Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 379. — Gm. Linn. Syst. Nat.
ed. xiii, I, iii, 1788, 1098.— Hakl. Journ. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. V, 1827,
351.— Thomps. Hist, of Verm. 1842, 118.
/- Coluber poecilogaster, Max. Wied. Eeise Inn. Nord. Amer. I, 1839, 106.
Tropidonotus sipedon Holbr. N. Amer. Herp. fll, 1842, 29. PI. vi.
Water Snake.
General color dull brown, exhibiting narrow transverse bands of
lighter, margined with dark brown or black ; these bands generally
about half a scale in width, and their margins more or less parallel
immediately on the back. This is especially the case posteriorly,
where they are usually at right angles to the axis of the body ; an-
teriorly they are more or less oblique, and widen rapidly towards the
abdominal scutellae. Sometimes the general brown hue is so predomi-
nant as to render the transverse marks more or less obsolete, and the
general tint then appears uniform above. The abdomen is always
dull yellowish, each scutella with large blotches of light brown,
margined with black.
NERODIA.
39
111 young individuals, and those generally in which the epidermis
has been removed, the normal type of coloration is seen to consist
of three series of nearly quadrate dark-brown spots, with still darker
border, one dorsal, and one on each side. These are so disposed that
the two corresponding lateral sjjots are opposite the interval between
the two dorsal, and thus appear to be connected by a light line. The
longitudinal diameter of the dorsal spots, amounting to 3 or 4 scales,
is the greater, just the reverse of what is tbe case with the lateral.
Of these lateral spots there are generally about 32 on each side from
the head to the anus, the spaces between them being equal to or less
than the spots, (not greater, as in jV. fasciata).
While this pattern is generally quite distinguishable on the pos-
terior half of the body, anteriorly it becomes confused, the lateral
blotches standing opposite to the dorsal, and becoming confluent, so
that the back appears crossed by lozenge-shaped blotches extending
to the abdominal scutellse, and thus separated on the sides by triangu-
lar intervals of a lighter color.
Occasionally the color appears to be a dull and rather light brown,
with the back crossed by narrow transverse lines, with dark (nearly
black, but still not distinct) margins.
Small specimens from Framingham and Westport show a larger
amount of black oil the sides and abdomen.
Carlisle, Pa.
142+1. 68. 23.
35.
8^.
S.
F. Baird.
li
142+1. 23.
((
143+1. 66. 23.
a
136+1. 75. 23.
12.
3J.
((
143+1. 67. 23.
9.
2i.
a
137+1. 75. 23.
27^
7i.
ii
140+1. 71. 23.
14^.
3J.
ti
141_^1. 80. 23.
26.
7J.
Westport, JSf. Y.
140+1. 70. 23.
16.
4.
CentreviUe, Md.
136+1. 62. 25.
Washington, D. C.
138+1. 62. 23.
35.
8.
FraminffJiam, 3Iass.
—
Grosse Isle, Mich.
143+1. 23.
27.
51.
Rev. Chas. Fox.
li
142+1. 59. 23.
24.
5i.
li
2. Wcrodia fcl!^ciat<l, B. & G. — Head broader behind, and deeper
than in N. sipedon ; hence a greater development of labials, temporals, lorals,
and nasals. Three and sometimes only two postorbitals. Vertical plate
40 NERODIA.
pentagonal, broad. Transversal lozenge-shaped or oblong black patches on
the back, tapering on the sides. About thirty oblong or triangular marks
of red on the flanks. Dorsal rows of scales 23, sometimes 25.
Syn. Coluber fasciatus, Linn. Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 378. — Holbr. N. Amer.
Herp. I, 1838, 93. PI. xx.
Coluber porcatus, Harl. Journ. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. V, 1827, 356.
Tropidonotus fasciatus, Holbk. N. Amer. Herp. 2d ed. Ill, 1842, 25. PI. v.
Head elliptical, tapering on the snout. Dorsal rows of scales 23-25,
all cariuated ; carince on the dorsal region very conspicuous. Scales
on the outer row broad and rounded posteriorly. Tail one-fourth of
total length, very much tapering. Vertical plate elongated, pentago-
nal, posterior triangular portion obtuse. Superciliaries very narrow.
Two postorbitals and sometimes three. Superior labials 8 in num-
ber; 6th and 7th very large. Inferior labials 9 ; 4th and 5th largest.
Last abdominal scutella divided. A large temporal shield anteriorly
contiguous to the postorbitals.
Ground-color above in the adult uniform blackish brown, lighter
in the young, which exhibit transverse lozenge-shaped black patches
irregularly tapering on the sides. There are fi'om 30 to 38 subtri-
angular or vertically oblong red spots extending to the abdominal
scutellae. The 26th of these red markings is opposite to the anus,
and twelve smaller ones may be observed along the tail, gradually
diminishing posteriorly. A black vitta extends from the posterior
rim of the eye to behind the angle of the mouth, above and below
which a light elongated patch tinged with red may be seen. Under-
neath reddish white. Labials dusky, margined with reddish brown.
Charleston, S. C. 132+1. 70. 25. 28. 7. Dr. Barker.
« 130+1. 41. 23. 40. Qh Acad. Nat. Sc.
Summerville, S. C. 128+1. 75. 23. 21. bh C Girard.
3. IVerodia eryt Jirogaster, B. & G.— Head elongated, narrowing
forwards ; occipital region flattened ; convex on the snout. Vertical plate
pentagonal, very large, as are also the occipitals. Three postorbitals. An
elevated loral. Dorsal rows of scales 23 in number, all very strongly cari-
nated. Uniform dark bluish black above, lighter on the sides ; a lateral or
external band of dull blue extending on the abdominal scutellss. Body be-
neath uniform dull yellow, tail bluish.
Syn. Coluber erythrogaster, Shaw, Gen. Zool. Ill, 1804, 458.— Holbr. N.
Amer. Herp. II, 1838, 91. PI. xix.
NERODIA. 41
Tropidonotus erythrogaster, Holbr. N. Amer. Herp. 2cl ed. Ill, 1842, 33.
PI. viii.
Vipera ventre cuprei colons, Catesb. Nat. Hist. Carol. II, 1742, 46. Tab. slvi.
The head is proportionally narrow and elongated, flattened above,
and convex on the snout. The vertical plate is elongated and sub-
pentagonal, broader anteriorly than posteriorly, witli the sides slightly
concave. The postorbital plates, proportionally small, are three in
number. Loral large and polygonal, higher than long. There are
three or four temporal shields very much developed. Dorsal rows
of scales 23 or 24 in number, strongly carinated, with the keels on
the posterior third of the body, constituting very conspicuous and
continuous ridges, the intermediate depressions or furrows giving to
the body and tail a canaliculated appearance. The lateral or outer
row, however, is but slightly carinated. The tail itself is subconical,
very much tapering, forming one-fourth of the entire length.
The color, as taken from life, is said to be brick-red above, tinged
with green on the sides, and uniform copper-color beneath.
Frairie3IerEoiige,La.loA^l. 80.24:. 44. 11 J. Jas. Fairie.
Carolina. 149+1. — 23. 50^. — j , ^^^^^'l
(. Acad. Nat. Sc.
4. IVerodia Ag-assizii, B. & G.— Dorsal rows of scales 23, carinated
except the outer row, wliich is entirely smooth. A second very small ante-
orbital ; postorbitals three. Color uniform reddish brown above, with obso-
lete transverse narrow light bands under the epidermis ; yellowish beneath.
The vertical plate is proportionally more contracted on the sides
than in any of the species of this genus, and also more tapering.
The occipital plates are broad and proportionally large. The eyes
are rather small, resembling in that respect those of iV. taxispilota,
the latter diflfering however greatly from it in being provided with
five more rows of dorsal scales ; the scales of the outer dorsal row
are proportionally large and perfectly smooth, while these are keeled
in the other species. The number of subcaudal scutellae could not
be ascertained, as the only specimen at our command is destitute of
a tail. The two last abdominal scutellaj are bifid.
The color, though uniform in the adult, in the immature state is
blotched, as in other species of this genus; judging from the trans-
42 NERODIA.
verse narrow light bands that may be seen on the back when the
epidermis is removed.
Lake Huron. 147-|-2. — 23. 24. — (on dep.) Prof. Agassiz.
5. IVerodia TVoodliousii, B. & G. — Dorsal rows of scales 25,
carinated. Three series of subquadrate black blotches, a dorsal and two
lateral, the latter vertically elongated. A double yellow occipital spot. A
yellow spot between the superciliaries and vertical plates. A black vitta
from posterior rim of eyes to angle of mouth.
The head is broad behind, and tapers forwards, very much flattened
above. The mouth is very deeply cleft. The labials are nine above
and eleven below; the 5th, 6th, and 7th the largest on both jaws.
Ground-color dusky, with a dorsal series of subquadrangular black
blotches, 37 to 40 in number, separated by a narrow whitish trans-
verse line. A lateral series of vertically elongated black blotches,
alternating with the dorsal series, with anterior and posterior margins
nearly parallel, sometimes tapering downwards and reaching the ab-
dominal scutellffi. The fuscous space between the lateral blotches
is wider than that occupied by the blotches themselves. Along the
tail, both the dorsal and lateral blotches are small and subcircular.
Underneath the color is yellowish, and the scutellte in the young,
margined posteriorly with black, while in the adult the middle region
of the scutellas is unicolor. The head is brownish black, with a
double yellow spot near the commissure of the occipital plates, and
two spots of the same color on the commissural line between the
vertical and superciliaries. A black vitta extends from the posterior
rim of the eye to the angle of the mouth.
Indianola. 144+1. — 25. 27f . — Col. J. D. Graham.
Beho.Lid.&San^ 144^1 q^ 25. lOi 2|.
Antonio. )
142+1. 79. 25. 11. 21.
Sahinal, Tex. 144+1. 68. 25. 13. 3. "
Neio Braunfels, Tex. 148+1.68.25. 34. 7|:. F. Lindheimer.
" 147+1. 72. 25. 25. 6|. "
« 145+1. 70. 25. 17. 4i. "
NERODIA. 43
6. Xerodia faxispilota, B. & G.— Head proportionally small,
subtriangulai", pointed on the snout. Vertical plate broad, subquadrangu-
lar ; occipitals small. Two postorbital plates ; anteorbital narrow. Dorsal
rows of scales 29, all carinated. Brown, with three series of subquadrangu-
lar blackish blotches.
Syn. Coluber taxispilotus, Holbr. N. Amer. Herp. II, 1838, 113. PI. xxv.
Tropidonotus taxispilotus, Holbr. N. Amer. Herp. 2d ed. Ill, 1842, 35.
PI. yiii.
The head is proportionally small, conical forwards. The eyes also
are small. The vertical plate has the shape of an elongated quad-
rangle. The occipital plates are rather small and posteriorly attenu-
ated. The anterior frontal plates are small and triangular, the apex
of the triangle being directed forwards. There are two large post-
orbital plates. The superciliaries are narrow and elongated. Dor-
sal rows 29 ; their scales all carinated.
Ground-color reddish brown, with three series of subquadrangular
blackish blotches, forty-six in number, the twenty-sixth opposite the
anus. They embrace transversely from 7 to 10 rows of scales, and
longitudinally three scales on the two anterior thirds of the body,
and two scales on the posterior third. The space between the blotches
is equal to the blotches themselves. The lateral series are isolated,
that is to say, not contiguous to the dorsal series except sometimes
towards the origin of the tail and along the latter region. The
blotches extend over nine or ten lateral rows of scales, and affect
from three to five scales. Equilateral on the anterior part of the
body, they become narrower on the posterior part, and taper upwards.
The space between is narrower by one scale. On the tail the dorsal
series of blotches has almost entirely disappeared ; now and then an
irregular patch may be seen confluent with the lateral series, which
remain conspicuous to the very tip of that organ. The lower surface
of the body is yellowish white, with irregular deep chestnut-brown
patches, the lateral ones contiguous to the lateral series.
Eicehoro, LiherUj Co., Ga. 141-j-l. 80. 29. 36. 9. Dr. W. L. Jones.
7. IVerodia Ilolbroollii, B. & G. — Head ovoid or elliptical, nar-
rowest on the snout. Vertical plate much longer than in N. taxispilota. Oc-
cipitals much larger also. Three postorbitals. Loral higher than long.
Dorsal scales in 27 rows, all strongly carinated. Brown, with three series
of quadrangular black blotches, the blotches of the lateral series alternat-
ing with those of the dorsal.
44 NERODIA.
Head and eyes propoi /lonally larger than in iV". iaxispilota. Verti-
cal plate subpentagonal, and more elongated than in N'. taxisjnlota.
Occipital plates also much more developed and broader. Inframaxil-
lary longer. Proportion between the length of the tail and that of
the body about the same as in jY. taxispilota. The rows of scales 27
in number, and carinated ; the scales themselves proportionally much
larger than in N. taxispilota. The lateral row especially diiFers much
in that respect.
Ground-color reddish brown, with three series of black subquad-
rangular blotches, forty-one in number, the twenty-fifth opposite the
anus. They embrace transversely six or seven rows of scales, instead
of seven or ten as in N. taxispilota. Longitudinally they cover three
scales on the anterior portion of the body, and two posteriorly as in
iV". taxispilota. The intermediate space, however, is greater than the
blotches themselves, embracing one scale more. The lateral series
are contiguous to the dorsal one, and alternate regularly with it.
The blotches extend on seven lateral rows, embracing three scales,
while the intermediate space embraces four of them. Beneath yel-
lowish white, with small and irregular brown blotches scattered along
the sides.
Prairie Mer Rouge, La. 144+1.70.27. 35.8. Jas. Fairie.
" 141+1.63.27. 33.7. "
EEGINA. 45
Genus REGIIVA, Baird & Girard.
Gen. Char. Body slender; tail subconical, very much tapering,
forming one-third or one-fourth of the total length. Head conical,
continuous with the body, and proportionally small. Eyes large.
Mouth deeply cleft. Labials small. Loral and nasals large. Scales
carinated. Cephalic plates normal. Anterior orbitals 2, occasion-
ally one ; posterior 2, occasionally 3. Last and sometimes last but one
abdominal scutellae bifid or divided. Subcaudal scutellae all divided.
Dorsal rows of scales 19-21. Abdominal scutellae 132-162. Sub-
caudal 52-86. General color five or more longitudinal dark bands
on a lighter ground. Abdomen unicolor, or likewise provided with
similar bands. Aquatic.
1. Regina leberis, B. & G. — Chestnut-brown, with a lateral yellow
band, and three narrow black dorsal vitta3. Abdomen yellowish, with four
brown bands, two of which are lateral and two medial. Dorsal rows of
scales 19, all carinated.
Stn. Coluher leberis, Linn. Syst. Nat. ed. x, I, 1766, 216. — Gm. Linn. Syst.
Nat. ed. xiii, I, iii, 1788, 1086.— Shaw Gen. Zool. Ill, iii, 1804, 433.
Coluber septemvittatus. Sat, Journ. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. IV, 1825, 240. —
Harl. Journ. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. V, 1827, 355 ; and Med. & Phys. Res.
18.35, 118.
Tropidonotus leberis, Holbr. N. Amer. Herp. IV, 1842, 49. PI. xiii. — Dekat,
New York Fauna, Kept. 1842, 45. PI. xi, fig. 23.
Head small, very much depressed, flattened on the region behind
the orbit, sloping anteriorly. Vertical plate pentagonal, proportion-
ally broad. There are two anteorbitals, the upper one the larger ;
and two postorbitals, the upper one the smaller. The loral is large
and higher than long. One temporal shield only. Upper labials,
8 ; 6th and 7th largest. Lower labials 10 ; 5th and 6th largest.
Scales regularly elliptical, slightly notched posteriorly, and all of
them carinated, gradually diminishing iu width from the sides to-
wards the middle line of the back. Those of the outer row one-third
broader than the rest, and posteriorly subtruncated.
46 " REGINA.
Ground-color dark chestnut or chocolate-brown above, marked with
three narrow black vittae or bands, one covering the medial row of
dorsal scales, and two (one on each side) following the fifth row. A
lateral yellow band occupies the upper half of the outer row and the
whole of the second row, thus broader than the black bands above.
Immediately below, and contiguous to it, a somewhat larger brown
band covers the lower half of the outer row of scales and the ex-
tremity of the abdominal scutellse. The abdomen is yellowish, pro-
vided along its middle region with two approximate brown bands,
similar though a little narrower, and interrupted by the yellowish
edge of the scutellte. The tail beneath is almost rendered uniformly
brown by the confluence of the bands.
Carlisle, Pa.
144+2. 81. 19.
231. 6i.
S. F. Baird.
a
142+1. 86. 19.
211. 6|.
IC
a
142+1. 71. 19.
14i 3f.
l(
a
145+1. 78. 19.
91. 2|.
u
a
140+1. 75. 19.
8f. 2i.
It
Foxhurg, Pa.
151+1. 19.
23.
(C
Grosse Isle, Mich.
147+1. 64. 19.
181. 41 .
Rev. Chas. Fox,
Eighland Co., Ohio.
149+1. 76. 19.
Ill . 21 :
Jos. M.D.Mathews
Washington, D. C.
141+1. 81. 19.
Hi 2i
(ondep.) Nat. Inst,
2. Regilia rigida., B. & G. — Greenish brown above ; two deep brown
vittse along the dorsal region. Contiguous edges of the outer row of scales
and abdominal scutellse finely margined with brown. The middle region of
the outer row like the abdomen, as is that of the second row, but less dis-
tinctly. Abdomen reddish yellow, with two series of black spots on the
middle region, approaching each other towards the anterior region of the
body. Dorsal rows of scales 19, carinated except the outer row, which is
smooth.
Stn. Coluber rigidus, Sat, Journ. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. IV, 1825, 39. —
Hael. Journ. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. V, 1827, 355 ; and Med. & Phys. Res.
1835, 118.
Tropidonotus rigidus, Holer. N. Amer. Herp. Ill, 1842, 39. PI. x.
Head proportionally larger than in R. leberis, much less depressed
and shorter on the snout. Its upper surface is flat, the snout convex,
"the high and large rostral making it less sloping. Vertical plate
subhexagonal and elongated. Occipitals truncated posteriorly. Su-
perciliaries narrow and tapering forwards. Anterior pair of frontals
very small. Two postorbitals of nearly equal size, and two ante-
REGINA. 47
orbitals, the upper one much larger than the lower. Loral subcircu-
lar or oblong. An elongated and narrow temporal shield, followed
by two or three sm-aller. Upper labials 7, 5th and 6th very large.
Lower labials 11, 6th and 7th largest. Scales elliptical, narrower
along the middle line of the back, carinated, except the outer row,
which is perfectly smooth, and furthermore distinguished by the
scales having their height greater than their length. The second
row is noticeable for its size, and sometimes for its want of carina-
tion, which in all cases is obsolete.
The ground-color is uniform greenish brown, but each scale on the
flanks is provided with a small blotch of deeper brown at its base.
The brown vittje of the back cover each one entire row, and the half
of the two adjoining rows, separated on the dorsal line by one row
and two half-scales of the ground-color. Beneath dull yellowish.
Along the middle region of the abdomen there are two seiies of
elongated deep brown blotches approaching each other towards the
anterior region and under the tail, sometimes however not extending
beyond the anus.
Southern States. ISS-fl. 71. 19. 12f. SJ. Rev. Dr. J. G. Morris.
Ricehoro,Ga. 135+1.56.19. 1\. li Dr. W. L. Jones.
Pennsylvania. 132+1.52.19. 21. 4. (ondep.) Acad.Nat. Sc.
3. Regina. Gralianiii, B. & G. — Brown, with a dorsal light band
margined on either side with a black line or vitta. A broad band of yellow
on the flanks, margined likewise with a black vitta. Abdome*. unicolor,
yellowish. Dorsal rows of scales 20, all carinated.
Head elongated, slender, depressed, and flattened above, slightly
sloping on the snout. Occipitals elongated and posteriorly pointed.
Vertical plate subpentagonal, narrower anteriorly. Superciliaries
proportionally well developed, as also the anterior pair of frontals.
Two anteorbitals, lower one a little the larger. Three postorbitals,
the lower one very small and almost suborbital in its position. Loral
elevated. Rostral well developed. Upper labials 7, 5th and 6th
largest. Lower labials 10, 5th and 6th largest. Dorsal rows of
scales 20, all carinated. The three outer rows sensibly the largest,
and truncated posteriorly, while the remaining ones are tapering.
A light-brown band along the dorsal line, covering one and two
half-rows of scales. On each side of this a narrow black vitta cover-
ing one and a half scales. Next succeed three rows of scales, uni-
48 REGINA.
formly brown. Then again, a black vitta covering an entire row of
scales, and the edge of the row immediately under it, (the third.)
The first, second, and most of the third outer rows of scales are
straw-color. This yellowish band extends forwards, passing under
the head to the extremity of the snout. A black line is seen run-
ning from behind the neck to the anus, affecting the extremity of
the scutellse, and occasionally the lower edge of the outer row of
scales. The abdomen is uniform light straw-color ; a medial nebu-
lous blackish band under the tail is observable.
Rio Salado, Tex. 161+1. 57. 20. lOf. 2. Col. J. D. Graham.
4. Regina Clarkil, B. & G. — Yellowisli brown, -with four longitu-
dinal bands of deeper brown. Abdomen dull yellow, with two clouded
brown bands dotted with black. One anteorbital. Dorsal rows of scales
19, all carinated.
This is the largest species of the genus. Head elongated, conical
from occiput to the extremity of the snout, depressed above, subcon-
cave on the occipital region, slightly sloping on the snout. Cephalic
plates very much developed. Vertical subpentagonal, broader anteri-
orly, though slightly tapering. Anterior pair of frontals quite large.
Three and sometimes only two postorbitals, variable in comparative
size ; when there are three, the lowermost is suborbital. One ante-
orbital, large. Loral well developed, longer than high. Upper
labials 8, 5th and 6th largest, the latter very large. Scales of the
body elliptical, rounded posteriorly. Outer row somewhat larger
than the rest, and very slightly carinated.
Color of head dirty brown, occipital and temporal region blackish.
Each of the four longitudinal bands of deep brown covers two rows
of scales. The intermediate yellowish brown spaces embrace each
two rows of scales also, except the dorsal one, which has three rows.
Each of the abdominal clouded bands embraces one-fourth of ab-
dominal space, inside of which is left a yellow space one-fourth of
the width, and exteriorly another yellow space one-eighth of the
width of abdominal space. The tail beneath is blackish, owing to the
confluence of the abdominal bands, interspersed with yellowish maculae.
Lidianola. 132+1.57.19. 31f. 6^. Col. J. D. Graham.
mm A. 49
Genus M I ]\ I A, Baird & Girard.
Gen. Char. Head elongated, ovoid, distinct from the body.
Cephalic plates normal. Two nasals. A large loral produced into
the orbit between the anteorbitals, which are two in number. Two
postorbitals. Scales all carinated. Subcaudal scutellae bifid.
Winia dladcniata, B. & G. — Body above deep chestnut; on the
middle of each scale an elongated yellowish spot. A yellow occipital blotch.
Abdomen yellowish, with a medial brown band. Dorsal scales in 19 rows.
The vertical plate is hexagonal, as broad anteriorly as long; an-
terior angle very obtuse ; posterior angle acute. The occipitals are
very much developed, rounded exteriorly and posteriorly, angular
anteriorly. The postfrontals are likewise remarkable for their great
development • they are obtusely quadrilateral, being somewhat longer
than broad. The prefrontals are proportionally reduced, angular,
broader outside. The rostral is broad and well developed. The
nostril opens through the middle of the posterior margin of the pre-
nasal, and is seen from above ; the postnasal is subquadrilateral,
higher than long. The loral occupies a large portion of the face ; it
is angular in shape, and behind extends to the orbit between the
anteorbitals. The lower anteorbital is subtriangular, resting on the
4th upper labial, contiguous to the commissure of the 3d ; the upper
anteorbital is regularly quadrangular, and visible from above. There
are two postorbitals, subquadrangular in shape. The superciliaries
are rather small, narrow, and elongated. Anterior temporal shield
very large, the rest resembling scales. The eyes are proportionally
large and circular. The mouth deeply cleft. Upper labials 6 ; 5th
largest. Lower labials 6 ; 4th largest.
Body subcylindrical, deeper than broad; tail very slender and
tapering, about one-third of the total length. The scales are all cari-
nated, and constitute 19 rows, the outer row considerably larger, the
rest diminishing towards the back. Postabdominal scutella appa-
4
50 NINIA.
rently entire; the shrunken state of the specimen did not allow a
satisfactory examination to be made.
The ground-color of the head and body above is a deep chestnut.
On the posterior part of the head is a yellow ring, sending a narrow
stripe along the upper labials to the orbit. Each scale is provided
on its middle with a narrow and elongated yellow dot, very conspicu-
ous on the outer row of scales, giving at first the impression of a
narrow vitta along the sides. The exterior edge of the abdomen is of
the same color as the back. The abdomen is yellowish ; a medial
chestnut band extends from the head to the tip of the tail, interrupted
only by the narrow yellowish margin of the scutellge themselves.
Orizaba, Mex. 136. — 19. Sf. 2f. Jas. Fairie.
HETERODON. 51
Genus flETElKODOIV, Pal. de Beauv.
Gen. Char. Body short, stout, tail short. Head, neck, and
body capable of excessive dilatation. Posterior palatine teeth longer.
Head broad, short; outline of mouth very convex, on a single curve.
Orbit enclosed by a continuous chain of small plates, the circle com-
pleted above by the superciliaries. Rostral prominent, its anterior
face very broad, and turned up ; its ridge above sharp. Behind it a >": .- H^
median plate, either in contact with the frontals or separated by small
plates. Frontals in two pairs. Nasals two/ Loral one or two/ Dor- /h^Jj^
sal rows of scales 23-27, carinated. Abdominal scutellae 125-150, J ^ l> ttf ^
posterior bifid. Subcaudal scutellse all bifid.
Colors light, with dorsal and lateral darker blotches, or else brown,
with dorsal transverse light bars. Sometimes entirely black.
The species exhibit a very threatening appearance when alive, in
flattening the head, hissing violently, &c. but are perfectly harmless.
Syn. Heterodon, Pal. de Beauv. in Latr. Hist. Nat. des Kept.
IV, 1799. ,
A. Azygos behind the rostral, in direct contact with the frontals.
1. Ileterodon platyrllillOS, Latr. — Occipitals and vertical longer
than broad, about equal in length. Centre of eye anterior. Dorsal rows 25,
all carinated, the outer sometimes smooth. Keels of the scales extending
to their tips. Scales on the back quite linear anteriorly, posteriorly they
are much broader. Color yellowish gray, or brown, with about 28 dark dor-
sal blotches from head to anus, and 15 half-rings on the tail. One or two
lateral rows. Beneath yellowish. A dark baud across the forehead in front
of the vertical, continued through the eye to the angle of the mouth.
Syn. Coluber heterodon, Davd. Hist. Nat. Kept. VII, 1799, 153. PI. Ix.
fig. 28.— Say, Amer. Journ. of Sc. I, 1818, 261.— Harl. Journ. Acad. Nat.
Sc. Philad. V, 1827, 357; and Med. & Phys. Res. 1885, 120.
Heterodon platyrhinos, Latr. Hist. Nat. Rept. IV, 1799, 32, fig. 1-3.
— HoLBR. N. Amer. Herp. II, 1828, 97. PI. xxi ; and 2d ed. IV, 1842, 67.
PI. xvii.
Hog-nose Snake ; Blowing Viper.
52 HETERODON.
Vertical plate hexagonal, narrower behind; longer than broad;
angles all distinct, lateral outlines straight. Postfrontal large, the
lateral angle extending down to the loral; the two postfrontals
separated anteriorly by the azygos or postrostral. Prefrontals
smaller, entirely separated by the azygos. Ptostral with the out-
line spherical angled, subacute at the apex, its upper surface com-
pressed into a sharp ridge, which, prolonged backwards between
the nasals and the prefrontals, connects with the azygos. This is
linear, subpentagonal, acute-angled behind, where it wedges between
the postfrontals. Superciliaries large. Scales behind the head
distinctly cariuated. Eye large. Line connecting tip of rostral
with the postinferior corner of the last labial passes over the lower part
of the eye. A triangular nasal, with the corners rounded, joined by
its apex to the exterior angle of the postfrontals. Nostrils valvular,
situated entirely in the posterior nasal, the anterior edge formed by
the anterior nasal. Labials 8 above, 6th largest, the 3d to the 6th in
contact with the suborbitals : two large temporal shields above the
three posterior labials. Centre of the eye anterior to the middle of
the chord connecting the apex of rostral and posterior end of labials
and over the middle of the 5th labial. Outline of upper jaw convex.
Lower labials eleven.
Body stout and short. Tail very short, and rapidly tapering,
rather thicker than the thinnest part of the body. Dorsal rows 25.
Scales all distinctly carinated, (including those on the back of the
head,) except the outer row, which is either perfectly smooth, or pre-
sents very obsolete carination. The ridges on the 2d row much less
distinct than the rest.
Color reddish brown above, with dark blotches. A series of 28
quadrate, dorsal, uniform black blotches from head to anus, each
from 2 to 3 scales long, and 7 to 9 wide, separated by regular brown-
ish yellow intervals of 1 J to 2 scales. The blotches anteriorly are
nearly square, posteriorly they are transversely elongated. Opposite
the intervals, and, indeed, bounding them on either side, is a second
series of small circular blotches on the 4th to the 8th lateral rows,
and separated only by a narrow interval from the corner of the dor-
sal blotches. Sometimes there are faint traces of small blotches be-
tween the upper lateral series. Intervals between the lateral rows
of blotches yellowish or reddish brown, darker than those on the
back; outer dorsal rows greenish or yellowish white. On the tail
there are 15 black half-rings, interrupted on the subcaudal scutellai,
HETERODON.
53
the scales on the tall larger than on the greater part of the body.
In young specimens is distinctly visible a second series of still smaller
blotches, below the one just mentioned, there being two of these op-
posite each one of the former, and placed on the 2d, 3d, and 4th
exterior rows. Beneath greenish yellow, with obsolete greenish
brown blotches, indistinctly visible through the epidermis, some-
times more conspicuous in young specimens.
There is a transverse black or dark bar on the forehead, crossing
the posterior half of the postfrontals, involving only the anterior
edge of the vertical, and the anterior corners of the superciliaries.
Behind this a dark patch, with its anterior margin a little back of
the middle of the vertical, and involving the adjoining margin of the
superciliaries and occipitals, together with the greater portion of the
occipitals ; sometimes with a light spot in the middle : the light
space included between the two patches appears to extend continu-
ously backwards to the neck; above a dark vitta from the back
part of the orbit to the posterior labial, itself a continuation of the
frontal vitta. An elongated narrow vertebral spot behind the junc-
tion of the occipitals, and generally isolated from them, on each side
of which is a similar patch widening behind.
This species is subject to great variations of color. Sometimes the
sides of the dorsal blotches pass insensibly into the ground-color, so
as to become transverse bands. At others they are light internally,
with a narrow margin of black. Occasionally there is much black on
the abdomen (in young specimens). The ground-color varies from
gray to bright yellow, and sometimes even red. It may also happen
that, by the confluence and extension of the darker margins, we have
light bars on a dark ground, as on a specimen from the Scioto valley,
Ohio, where, with the other characters similar, the color is of a dark
brown above and on the sides, with transversely quadrate brownish
ash-colored spots along the back, some one and a half or two scales
lone, 9 or 10 wide, and at intervals of about three scales. Of
these spots there are 28 from head to anus, and about 9 on the tail,
where they form half rings, with intervals a little larger than them-
selves.
Carlisle, Pa. 129+1. 53. 25.
" 123+1. 49. 25.
Clarke Co., Va. 143 + 1. 46. 25.
'< 127+1. — 25.
Anderson, S. C. — — —
28. 6.
S. F. Baird
24J. 5.
^i
19. 2i-.
Dr.C. B. Kennerly
11. 2
li
Miss C. Paine
54 HETERODON.
Misdssippi.1 135+1.51.25. 10. IJ. Dr.B.F.Shumard.
" ? D.C. Lloyd.
SciotoYallcy,01uo.U^+\.^b.1b. 26. 4. | ^ x°^*^5-\ ^
(. Dr. J. P. Kirtland.
2. Il-eterodon COg'na.tus, B. & G. — Vertical longer than occipi-
tals. Dorsal rows of scales 23-25 ; outer smooth; next scarcely carinated.
Scales of the rest vrith keels extending to their tips. Scales broader than
in preceding. Disproportion between scales of the back, before and behind,
not conspicuous. Light chestnut, with 20 yellow blotches from head to anus,
and 9 on the tail. Beneath yellow.
Vertical plate pentagonal, elongated. Frontals moderate, of nearly
the same length. Azygos rather broad, similar in its relations to that
of H. jilati/rhinos. Rostral quite fully developed. Occipitals small,
less than in IT. platyrhinos. Scales back of head distinctly carinated.
Centre of eye above the middle of the 5th labial. Orbital chain of
10-11 plates. Loral rather large, triangular. Nasals moderate.
Labials 8. Penultimate rather longer than high.
Scales diminishing in width towards the back, although not be-
coming as linear as in H. platyj-hinos. Scales on the hinder part of
back scarcely wider than those in front.
Color above light chestnut, with transverse, sometimes more or
less oblique, dorsal bars between the 7th exterior rows. These bars
are bright yellow, tinged with brown in the centre, and with a darker
marginal shade of the ground-color. Of these bars there are 28,
from head to tail, the 20th opposite to the anus, each about ten scales
long, about nine broad, and separated by intervals of from four to
six scales. The proportional difference between the two colors in the
tail is much as in JI. platyrhinos. Color beneath clear dull yellow.
Exterior dorsal scales mottled brownish yellow, more or less spotted
and margined with brighter yellow. On separating the skin a dark
spot is seen at each end of the dorsal patches, between and around
which the color is yellow. Head olivaceous yellow, with the usual
markings of the genus obsolete. An elongated black patch behind
the angle of the jaws on each side.
Somewhat similar to H. platyrhinos, but the scales anteriorly are
wider, nor is there that disproportion between the scales on-the back
before and behind. The occipitals are shorter. From H. atmodes,
the narrower intervals between the caudal light band, the scales cari-
HETEKODON. 55
nated on the back of head as well as elsewhere to the tip, the more
prominent rostral, (the line from the tip to the lower posterior angle
of the last labial passes over the eyeball,) &c. will at once distin-
guish it.
A much mutilated, but much lai-ger specimen from New Braunfels
agrees with this, although the rostral is proportionally less ; in other
characters it is very similar. The intervals between the light bars,
and the sides at their extremities are, however, much darker.
A small specimen from Indianola has much the same distribution
of color as described in the young H. plati/rhinos. The principal dif-
ferences are seen in the larger head, stouter body, shorter occipitals,
narrower dark line across the superciliaries and vertical, broader scales
anteriorly, &c. The ground-color is mottled chestnut, with subquad-
rate brown blotches, indistinct at the outer edges, a circular dark spot
opposite each light dorsal interval, like the dorsal series surrounded
by a lighter areola ; beneath each dark spot a pair still smaller.
Below greenish white, blackish posteriorly, with narrow blotches of
black in front. Distinct patch from eye to the last upper labial.
Indianola. 130+1. 58. 23. 26. 6. Col. J. D. Graham.
" 129+1.51.25. 11.2. "
New Braunfels, Tex. 124+1.56.25. 27.6. F. Lindheimer.
3. Meterodosi lllarer, Troost. — Vertical plate as long as the oc-
cipitals. Rostral prominent. Dorsal rows of scales 25, the exterior smooth,
the 2d row obsoletely carinated, the rest with the scales distinctly carinated,
the carina extending quite to the tip. Uniform black above, slate-color
beneath.
Stn. Vipera nigra, Catesb. Nat. Hist. Carol. II, 1743, 44. PI. xliv.
Scytah niger, Daud. Hist. Nat. Kept. V, 1799, 342. — Haul. Journ. Acad.
Nat. Sc. Philad. V, 1827, 367 ; and Med. & Phys. Res. 1835, 130.
Coluber cacodemon, Shaw, Gen. Zool. Ill, 1802, 377. PI. cii.
Coluber thraso, Harl. Med. & Phys. Res. 1835, 120.
Heterodon niger, Tkoost. Ann. Lye. Nat. Hist. N. York, III, 1836, 186. —
? HoLBE. N. Amer. Herp. 1st ed. II, 1838, 105. PL xxiii ; and 2d ed. Ill,
1842, 63. PI. xvi.
Black Viper ; Spreading Adder.
Postfrontals large, extending to the loral. Prefrontals smaller.
Azygos rather large, separating the prefrontals entirely, and
the postfrontals anteriorly: in a line with the rostral. Ptostral
56 HETERODON.
broad. Keel acutely distinct. Scales on the back of bead keeled,
though obsoletely in those next to the occipital plates. The line from
tip of snout to lower angle of posterior labial, crosses the lower part
of the eye, whose centre is a little in advance of the middle of this
line. Orbital chain of 9 plates. Loral triangular, truncated above.
Nasals rather large, less developed than in H. jjlait/i-Jmios. Upper
labials 8 ; 3d-6th in contact with suborbitals. Centre of eye above
the juncture of the 4th and 5th.
Scales distinctly carinated, except the outer row, which is smooth,
•and the second, on which the carination is very obsolete, sometimes
quite smooth. All the scales diminish gradually to the back, where
they are quite linear ; posteriorly, however, they are broader.
Color above and on the sides entirely dull black, beneath rather
light slate-color, shading into milk-white on the chin and on the edge
of the upper labials. The exterior rows of scales shade gently from
the color of the back to that of the belly.
The Heterodon niger bears quite a close relationship in the cha-
racter of the plates and scales to H. 2}^at>/rhinos, from which the
principal difference lies in the color. Although this species greatly
resembles in color the black variety of H. atmodes, they may be
readily distinguished. The rostral of H. niger is well developed,
high, broad, and with the dorsal carina acute and well marked. The
carination on the scales back of the head is delicately distinct, as also
upon the other scales, the keel extending to the very tip. The scales
on the back are linear and narrow, but become much broader in pro-
portion towards the tail. The occipitals are longer, and the head in
front of the eye longer in proportion to the part behind it. No bands
evident, even obsoletely. The other differs in all these respects:
rostral low, and the keel more rounded; scales on back shorter,
and anteriorly rather broad, and the disproportion with those posteri-
orly much less conspicuous; carinre not extending to the tip; faint
bars seen indistinctly across the black of the back, &c.
Carlisle, Pa. ? 140+1. 49. 25. 36. 6. S. F. Baird.
Specimens from the South differ simply in being rather darker on
the sides and beneath.
Abbeville, S. a 145+1. — 25. 26. — Dr. J. B. Barratt.
Kemper Co., Miss. 126+1. 53. 25. 28. 5f . D. C. Lloyd.
HETERODON. 57
4. Ilelerodon afuiotles, B. & G. — Vertical plate longer than oc-
cipitals, -which are small, and as broad as long. Azjgos in contact with the
frontals. Rostral low, obtuse, and very little prominent. Eye more an-
terior. Dorsal rows 23 or 25. Outer row smooth, 2d and Sd very obso-
letely carinated. Scales broader, smoother, and more rounded than in n.
platyrliinos. Keel not extending to the tip. Black, with 18 transverse yel-
lowish bands on the body, and 7 on the tail ; the dark intervals much broader
than the light bands, sometimes entirely black.
Vertical plate hexagonal, narrower behind, and more elongated
than in H. platyrliinos ; lower than the occipitals. Postfrontals large,
extending down to the loral. The anterior frontals rather larger
than in H. i-)latyrhi7ws, separated by the azygos and rostral. Rostral
small, moderately recurved, much smaller and less conspicuous than
in H. platijrhinos. Superciliaries long, narrower than in H. plcity-
rhinos. Scales on back of the head broad, flat, carination very obso-
lete. Imaginary line connecting tip of rostral, and posterior angle
of last upper labial passes entirely below the eye, whose centre is an-
terior to the middle of this line. Eye large, its centre above the
middle of the 4th labial. Loral nearly square, rather narrower
above. Nasals small, which with the less development of the rostral
brings the eye more forwards. Labials 7 above. Owing to a greater
development of the suborbital series, (of 9 plates,) the labials are
lower than in M. platyrJunos. The posterior upper angle of the 2d
labial, as well as the 3d, 4th, and anterior upper angles of the 5th,
are in contact with the suborbitals. The difference from H. platy-
rliinos in this respect is caused by the much greater size of the 2d or
3d labials, the first being much smaller than all the rest.
Dorsal rows of scales 23; exterior smooth, 2d and 8d very obso-
letely carinated, rest of scales more so, but in all cases less distinctly
than in II. j^laty rhinos. The keel on each scale does not extend to
the tip, but becomes obsolete at a point from the tip of one-half to
one-fifth of the length ; while in S. jolatyrhinos it extends very
nearly, if not entirely to the extreme tip, especially on the back.
The scales also are broader and more oval. The tail is slenderer
and more tapering than in H. platyrliinos, and is not as thick as the
posterior part of the body.
Color above lustrous pitch-black, crossed by 18 transverse light
yellow bands, from head to anus, and 7 on the tail ; sides mottled
with black and yellowish. Beneath yellowish, blotched with black.
58 HETERODON.
The pattern of coloration is probably similar to that of H. platy-
rhinos, except that the outer edges of the dorsal blotches are canfluent
with the irregular markings of the sides, instead of being quite dis-
tinctly defined. Occasionally black blotches opposite the transverse
light marks are evident. The light bands are sometimes interrupted
and sometimes oblique ; their extent is about the same as in H.
platp-Mnos. The black intervals between these light bars are much
longer than in H. platyrTiinos, occupying from 5 to 6 scales anteri-
orly, and on the tail from 6 to 7. The light bands may have been
orange in life. On the side of the head is a broad distinct black
stripe from the posterior part of the eye to the posterior end of the
truncated last labial, and continuous with an obscured black band
across the forehead, on the posterior half of the postfrontals. Lower
jaw and sides of head blotched with black.
Georgia. 131+1. 56. 23. 25. 5J. Prof. C. B. Adams.
A young specimen, apparently of this species, has the head much
more depressed than in individuals of H. platp'liinos of the same
size. The general color above is lead-gray, with transverse bands
of lighter gray on the back, margined by dark chestnut, which shades
gradually into the gray. The other features are well preserved,
except that the rostral, as usual in young specimens, is higher.
Charleston, S. C. 137+1. 54. 25. 12 J. If. Dr. S. B. Barker.
Another larger specimen has the lateral spots rather more distinct.
The dorsal bands are pale rose-color, (in alcohol). It agrees in the
shorter occipitals, smaller number of bands, less carinated scales,
lower rostral, &c.
Charleston. 141+1. 49. 25. 17. 2f . C. Girard.
A large specimen from Charleston agrees in its external anatomy,
but at first sight appears entirely black above, and of an irregular
slate-color beneath. On a closer examination, however, the trans-
verse bands are obsoletely visible, especially towards the tail. Traces
of the markings on the head may likewise be distinguished. Per-
haps often confounded with the true //. niger.
Charleston, S. G. 137+1. 53. 23. 26. 4}. Dr. S. B. Barker.
HETERODON. 59
B. Azygos plate hehi.nd the rostral separated from the frontah hy
small jilatcs.
5. Heterodoii siuius, Holbr. — Vertical plate as broad as long,
much longer tlian the occipitals. Rostral broad and high. Azygos encir-
cled by five or eight small plates. Mouth very short. Dorsal rows 25, the
three or four externals smooth. Dorsal series of 35 blotches, with one to
three other series on each side. Abdomen yellowish, scarcely maculated.
A narrow black band across the forehead in front of the vertical, and pass-
ing through the eye across one labial to the angle of the mouth.
Stn. Coluber simus, Linn. Syst. Nat. ed. xii, I, 1766, 216. — Gm. Linn.
Syst. Nat. ed. xiii, I, iii, 1788, 1086.
JTeterocIon simus, Holbr. N. Amer Herp. IV, 1842, 57. PI. xv.
Heterodon plalyrhinos, Schl. Ess. Phys. Serp. Part, descr. 1837, 97. PI.
iii, figs. 20-22.
? Vipera capite viperrens, Catesb. Nat. Hist. Carol. II, 1743, 56. Tab. IvL
Hog-nose Snake.
Vertical plate sublieptagonal, sometimes nearly triangular ; with
three sides anteriorly, the lateral against the postfrontals, the middle
against the azygos plates, the sides very obtusely angled. Superci-
liaries rather short, broad. Occipitals very short, almost as long as
broad. Postfrontals moderate, the exterior angle scarcely reaching
the angle of the loral; the two separated by three small plates pos-
terior to the azygos. Anterior frontals not much smaller. Azygos
plate resting anteriorly against the rostral, and touched by the inner
angle of the prefrontal : there is a small plate on each side, between
it and the notch at the junction of the anterior and postfrontals,
while behind, the space between it, the postfrontals, and the vertical
is occupied by the three small plates already mentioned. This
azygos is thus surrounded on the sides and posteriorly by five small
plates, (this number is sometimes greater). Rostral broad and high,
much recurved. Eyes moderate, situated posterior to the centre of im-
aginary line connecting the last labial and rostral, which would pass
nearly through its centre. Loral subtriangular, acute above, scarcely
reaching to the exterior angle of the postfrontal, a small plate some-
times intervening. Nasal plates rather short and high ; nostril oc-
cupying most of the posterior one, its infero-anterior wall constituted
by the first labial, its lower by a small plate. Labials 7 above ; in-
creasing very rapidly from the diminutive first; 5th and Cth largest;
60 HETERODON.
all much higher than broad. Lower labials 9. Curve of upper jaw
very convex and short.
Scales back of the head short, curved, obsoletely carinated. Dorsal
rows of scales 25, outer rows smooth, sometimes only three, the cari-
nation slight, increasing to the medial row. Scales shorter and
broader than in the other type, becoming narrower on the back;
those behind rather narrower than before. Body contracted at the
anus, then expanding or swelling on the tail, which is thick through-
out, tapering suddenly at the tip. Scales on the tail longer and
broader than those of the upper part of the body in front ; carination
not very distinct, inferior three rows truncated behind, especially the
highest.
A dorsal series of transverse black blotches, 35 from head to tip of
tail, the 27th opposite the anus. These are sometimes oblique, but ge-
nerally transverse, and with the anterior and posterior margins paral-
lel : they are about 9 scales wide, and three to four long, with light
brownish yellow intervals one or one and a half scales wide. On
each side, and opposite the intervals, is a distinct series of subquad-
rate or circular black spots on the 6th-9th rows, not touching those on
the back, and between them a dusky shade opposite the dorsal spots.
Below these again are usually two smaller blotches to each spot.
Intervals between the spots mottled yellowish brown. Beneath yel-
lowish, with obsolete small brown blotches. On the tail there are
9 half-rings, rather wider than the light intervals, and somewhat con-
tracted above.
A narrow black line crosses the forehead, on the posterior half of
the postfrontals, and just margining the vertical; this passes through
the centre of the eye, and is continued to the postlabial. A medial
patch of black expanding behind, starts from the commissure of the
occipitals, from which plates others, one on each side, pass across the
angle of the jaws, the three confluent with the dark color in the occi-
pitals. In H. plati/rMnos this medial patch is isolated, and not in
contact with the occipital one.
Charleston, S. C. 117 + 1.35+9.25. 18. 3 J. C. Girard.
Some specimens from Abbeville, S. C, vary in having the rostral
separated from the prefrontals by two or three small plates, and
the azygos entirely cut off from the frontals by intervening plates.
The lower wall of the rostral is constituted by two small plates : there
is a second small plate above the loral ; in fact a general tendency to
HETERODON. 61
break up into small plates. The markings on the back are restricted
to a dorsal series, with a dusky shade opposite, and a lateral series
opposite the light yellowish intervals ; the ground-color of the sides
a quite uniform yellowish brown. Specimens from Mississippi have
the dorsal spot smaller and nearly circular.
Abbeville, S. a
130+1. 55. 27.
Ibh
If.
Dr. J. B. Barratt
(I
119+1. 46. 25.
19.
Sh
((
((
130+1. 32. 25.
14^.
If.
ee
«
132+1. 30. 25.
12.
u.
<(
Mississippi.
132+1. 34. 25.
16.
2.
Dr. B. F. Shumard
a
132+1. 39. 27.
14.
2.
((
6. Ileterotlon nasicus, B. & G. — Vertical broader than long.
Rostral excessively broad and high. Azygos plate surrounded behind and
on the sides by many small plates (12-15). A second loral. Labials short
and excessively high. Dorsal rows of scales 23, exterior alone smooth. A
dorsal series of about 50 blotches, with four or five others on each side. Body
beneath black. A narrow white line across the middle of the superciliaries ;
a second behind the rostral. A broad dark patch from the eye to the angle
of the mouth, crossing the last two labials.
Stn. Heterodon nasieus, B. & G., Reptiles in Stanshiiry's'Ex^l.YaXiej of
Great Salt Lake, 1852, 352.
Vertical plate very broad, subhesagonal. Occipitals short. Rostral
very broad, high, more than in the other species, outline rounded.
The interval between the opposite frontals, the rostral, and the ver-
tical occupied by a number of small plates, from 10 to 12, or more,
arranged without any symmetry, on each side and behind the small
azygos. The base of the rostrals between the opposite anterior
nasals, is generally margined by these small plates, which some-
times, too, are seen between the vertical and the anterior portion of
the superciliaries. This crowding of plates causes the anterior part
of the forehead to be broader than in H. simus. Eye small, its
centre rather posterior to the middle of the imaginary line connecting
the tip of rostral with the lower angle of the postlabial, which
line scarcely crosses the eyeball. Orbital plates, 10-13 in number.
Loral triangular, rather longer than high, separated from the frontal
by a small plate. Nasals rather short, occasionally with the lower
part of the nostril bounded by a small plate. Labials 8 or 9 above,
all of them higher than long; indeed, their vertical extension is
62 HETERODON.
much greater than in any other species : the 6th highest, centre of
eye over the junction of the 5th and 6th.
Dorsal rows of scales 23, outer row smooth, rest all distinctly cari-
nated, the keels extending to the ends of the scales; those just be-
hind the occipital plates truncated, with obsolete carinte. Scales on
the hind part of the body rather broader and shorter than anteriorly;
the inequality scarcely evident in large specimens.
Ground-color light brown, or yellowish gray, with about 50 dorsal
blotches from head to tip of tail; the 39th opposite the anus. These
blotches are quite small, rather longer transversely, subquadrate, or
rounded, indistinctly margined with black, (obsoletely on the out-
side); they cover 7 to 9 scales across, are 2 to 2 J long, and sepa-
rated by interspaces of IJ scales, which are pretty constant through-
out, though rather narrower on the tail. On each side of the dorsal
row may be made out, under favorable circumstances, four alternat-
ing rows of blotches ; the first on the contiguous edges of the scales
of the first and second exterior dorsal rows ; the second on the scales
of the 3d row, and the adjacent edges of those in the 2d and 4th ;
the third on the scales of the 4th, 5th, and 6th, and the adjacent
edges of the 3d and 7th ; and the fourth on the scales of the 6th,
7th, and 8th rows, and the adjacent edges of those of the 5th. This
last is opposite the intervals of the dorsal series ; the rest alternate
with it. The central inferior surface of the abdominal scutellre is
black, sharply variegated with quadrate spots of yellowish white ;
the portion of the scutellaj entering into the side of the body is yel-
lowish white, with that part opposite the dorsal intervals dark brown,
thus, in fact, constituting a fifth lateral series of blotches, alternating
with the lowest already mentioned. The throat and chin are un-
spotted. The head is light brown, with a narrow whitish line finely
margined before and behind with black, which crosses in front of the
centre of the vertical, and through the middle of the superciliaries :
a second similar but more indistinct line runs parallel to this, just
behind the rostral, and extending down in front of the eye. A third
equally indistinct and similar line crosses the posterior angle of the
vertical, and runs back on the side of the neck, behind the labials
and temporal shields. There is a broad brown patch from the back
part of the eye to the angle of the mouth, across the penultimate and
last labial. The coloration is thus very diff"erent from that of 11.
simus, where there is a distinct narrow black band across the foi'e-
lisad scarcely involving the vertical, and passing through the eye to
HETERODON. 63
the angle of tlie mouth across the last labial. Behind this a much
broader yellowish band, continued without interruption into the neck
behind the angle of the mouth. In 11. nasicus the most conspicuous
feature is a narrow white band, much narrower than the darker patch
before and behind it. The dark patch, to the angle of the mouth,
is much broader, continuous as it were, with the broad bar between
the middle and anterior light lines, which corresponds with the nar-
row black line of H. simus. The other distinguishing features are
evident. The three dark patches behind the head are much as in
H. simus.
In the larger specimens from Sonora and the Copper Mines, the
ground-color is yellowish gray, each scale minutely punctate with
brown. The blotches are all obsolete, only one dorsal and two lateral
on each side being defined by darker shades. The blotches on the
sides of the abdomen are wanting, but the black in the middle is
strongly marked. The other characters, however, are preserved,
except that the exterior row of dorsal scales is more or less carinated.
Rio Grande. 138+1. 45. 23. 7f. U. Gen. S. Churchill.
RedRiver,Ark. 148+1.40.23. 12. U. { ^'^^'cLtlZ*^
Ft.Webster Santa | ^ ^^ ^S. 21. 2h Col. J. D. Graham.
Rita del Gohre. )
Sonora, Mex. !l50+1. 39. 23. 24. 3. «
A specimen from California has the rostral rather less developed,
and four irregular plates on top of head. The coloration differs in
having the light transverse intervals between the dorsal blotches
narrower, especially posteriorly.
California. 137+2. 48. 23. 22}. 4. Dr. Wm. Gambel
64 PITUOPHIS.
Genus FITIJOPHIS, Holbr.
Gen. Char. Body subcylindrical, deeper than wide, attaining
often a considerable size. Head elongated, ovoid, in some instances
narrow anteriorly. Vertical plate elongated, sometimes as broad
anteriorly as long. Superciliaries large, subtriangular. Posterior
frontals two pairs, an internal and external, both elongated. Pre-
frontals subquadrate. A small loral. Postorbitals three or fourj
anteorbitals generally two, occasionally only one. Temporal shields
very small, resembling the scales. Cleft of mouth curved. Dorsal
rows of scales 29-35, variable in some species; those on the back
carinated, on the sides smooth. Abdominal scutellce 209-243 ;
posterior large and entire. Subcaudal scutellge all bifid.
Ground-color whitish or reddish yellow ; a triple series of dorsal
black blotches, those of the medial series the largest; several
series of smaller blotches on the flanks. Abdomen unicolor or ma-
culated, with an outer row of blotches. Head of the same color as
the body, maculated with black spots. A narrow band of black
across the upper surface between the eyes, and a postocular vitta on
each side, extending obliquely from the eye down to the angle of the
mouth. A black vertical patch is often seen beneath the eye.
Syn. PituopMs, Holbr. N. Amer. Herp. IV, 1842, 7.
PityopMs, Hallow. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. VI, 1852, 181.
ChurcMUia,* Baird & Girard, Reptiles in Stansburt/'s Expl. of
the valley of the Great Salt Lake, 1852, 350.
* The species upon which the genus ChurcMUia was established, exhibits in the
structure of the cephalic plates the remarkable character of having a small median
plate in advance of the vertical, limited on each side by the external, and in front
by the internal postfrontals. This character, together with the presence of two
anteorbitals and four postorbitals, one more on either side than in Pituopliis me-
lanoleucvs, the only species then known, appeared a sufficient generic character.
Since the discovery of several other species, in which there are two anteorbitals
and four postorbitals, with the structure of the cephalic plates similar to what they
PITUOPHIS. 65
1. PituopIliS lsielailoleMCHS,HoLBR.— Head ovoi^, broad behind.
Aiiteorbital 1 ; postorbitals 3. Dorsal rows of scales 29, the four outer rows
smooth, 5th, 6th, and 7th with an obsolete keel. Tail about i of total
length. Head maculated with black ; an oblique vitta from the orbit to the
7th labial. Color of the body whitish, with a dorsal series of very large
blotches, the 24th opposite the anus ; anteriorly and posteriorly emarginated
on the anterior third of the body, oblong posteriorly. Elongated smaller
blotches on the flanks, forming three indistinct series, often confluent. Ab-
domen unicolor. A series of 20-29 distinct blotches along the extremities
of the scutellis.
Syn. Coluber melanohiicus, Daud. Hist. Nat. Rept. VI, 1799, 409. —
Harl. Journ. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. V, 1827, 359; and Med. & Phys. Res.
1835, 122.
PituopMs melanoleucus, Holbr. N. Amer. Herp. IV, 1842, 7. PI. i.
Pine Snake, or Bull Snake, Bartram, Trav. in Carol., Geo., and Florida,
1791, 276.
Head robust, conical. Vertical plate subpentagonal, broad an-
teriorly. Occipitals a little larger than the vertical, and as broad
anteriorly as long. Internal postfrontals elongated and subtriangu-
lar; external postfrontals polygonal. Prefrontals quadrilateral, se-
parated by the rostral. Eostral narrow, very convex, raised above
the surface of the snout, and reaching the internal postfrontals.
Nasals very large, anterior one the larger. Nostrils vertically ob-
long, situated in the middle and between both plates. Loral ovoid,
small, horizontal. One large anteorbital, with its anterior margin
convex, of the same width above as below. Three postorbitals,
proportionally large. Temporal shields small, six or nine, or more.
Upper labials 8, 7th largest, 4th coming into the orbit. Lower
labials 14, 5th and 6th largest, the five posterior ones quite small.
Posterior pair of mental shields one-third of the size of the anterior
pair, and reaching backwards to opposite the middle of the lower 6th
labial. Tail conical and tapering, forming about the seventh of the
total length.
The ground-color, when living, is said to be white ; as preserved ia
alcohol it is yellowish brown. The head is maculated with small
black spots; frontal bar rather wide; postocular vitta broad. A dor-
are in P. melanoleucus, we deem it expedient to place Chnrchillia hellona in the
genus PituopJiis. One might well have been familiar with the reptiles of North
America described before 1851, and not be prepared to identify species presenting
the characters just alluded to.
66 PITUOPHIS.
sal series of very large blotches, of a deep chestnut-brown, broadly
margined with black anteriorly and posteriorly. These blotches are
24 in number from the head to opposite the anus, and 6 on the
tail, where they extend laterally down to the subcaudal scutelljB.
More or less confluent, and consequently irregular in shape on the
anterior third of the body, they are posteriorly subround or sub-
quadrate, emarginated in front and behind, and separated from each
other by a light space embracing four scales, whilst the blotches them-
selves cover six scales. The flanks are blotched but very irregularly;
on the anterior region of the body the blotches elongate in the shape
of longitudinal bands or vitta^; on the middle region three indistinct
series may be traced, alternating and often confluent by their corners ;
posteriorly there is only one series opposite to the dorsal, and often
confluent with it, so that the corresponding blotches form single
patches, extending from the back to the abdomen, and tapering on
the sides. The abdomen is dull yellow, with a series of distant
blackish brown patches along the extremity of the scutellje, often
extending to the outer row of scales.
Carolina. 216. 60. 29. 55|. 8. (on dep.) Acad. Nat. Sc.
2. PituopIliS IjellOBia, B. & G. — Head elliptical, rather pointed.
Vertical plate very broad anteriorly. A second anterior vertical, small, and
subcordiform. Anteorbitals 2 ; postorbitals 4. Dorsal rows of scales 31-35;
the seven outer rows smooth. Tail about y'j of total length. Head macu-
lated with black ; transverse frontal bar extending from one orbit to the
other, well marked ; the oblique postocular vitta rather narrow, and reach-
ing the angle of the mouth. Color of the body whitish yellow, sometimes
reddish yellow, with a dorsal series of deep black blotches, or of deep brown,
margined with black, 51 in number, from the head to the origin of the tail,
and a series of smaller spots on each sides. Ten transverse jet-black bars
on the tail. Flanks crowded with small and irregular blotches. Abdomen
dull yellow, maculated with black blotches more or less crowded.
Stn. Churchillia bellona, B. & G. Reptiles in Stansbury's Expl. Valley
of Great Salt Lake, 1852, 350.
Pituophis aftnis, Hallow. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. VI, 1852, 181.
Head broad behind, and well separated from the body by a con-
tracted neck, very much tapering to the end of the snout, subquad-
rangular from the eyes forwards. Upper surface flattened, snout
elevated and rounded. Occipital plates triangular, as broad anteri-
PITUOPHIS. 67
orly as loug. Superciliarics longer than either the vertical or oc-
cipitals. Vertical subpentagonal very broad anteriorly, as broad as
long, and very much tapering posteriorly ; its sides concave. The
second small subcordiform anterior vertical is situated between the
external postfrontals, which are comparatively the larger. Internal
postfrontals irregularly triangular, and smaller than the prefrontals,
which are irregularly quadrangular. The rostral is proportionally
narrow, and raised above the surface of the snout, not reaching, how-
ever, the internal postfrontals. Nasals subquadrangular, anterior one
a little larger; nostrils situated between the two plates, but more in
the posterior one. Loral very small, narrow, and elongated, hori-
zontal in position. Two anteorbitals, inferior one very small ; upper
one very regular, slightly convex on its anterior margin. Postorbitals
four in number, occasionally only three, the two upper ones a little
the larger. Numerous small temporal shields. Upper labials 8, 6th
and 7th somewhat larger. Lower labials 13, 7th largest; the six
posterior ones the smallest. Dorsal scales elliptically elongated, con-
stituting 31-35 rows, the seven outer of which are smooth, the others
carinated, the five outermost very sensibly the larger.
The ground-color is whitish yellow : on the anterior third and
upper part of the body, the bases, and sometimes the two anterior
thirds of the scales $re jet black, so as to make the ground-color
appear black. There are 61 large chocolate-brown dorsal blotches,
margined with jet black from the head to opposite the anus, and
10 on the tail. On the anterior portion of the body these blotches
are subcircular, or rather elliptical, covering in width seven or eight
rows of scales, and four and two half-scales in length ; the spaces
between embrace about two scales. Posteriorly the blotches be-
come quadrate, and the intermediate spaces increase so as to be at
first equal to the blotches, and towards the origin of the tail they are
actually wider by one scale than the blotches themselves. On the
tail the blotches assume the shape of narrow transverse bars, taper-
ing downwards. On each side of the dorsal blotches is a series of
much smaller and somewhat irregular blotches, margined with black,
the blotches being opposite to the light spaces, alternating, but not con-
fiuent with the medial blotches. On the anterior third of the body a
series of small blotches is observed on the flanks, and beneath it, a
series of elongated black patches, all of which exhibit a tendency to
become obsolete vertical bars, more apparent posteriorly in very large
individuals, giving to the flanks a nebulous appearance. The head
68
PITUOPHIS.
above is yellowisli brown, with small black spots on the vertex and
occiput. Frontal black bar distinct in small individuals, obsolete
in large ones ; postorbital vitta narrow ; suborbital spot small. In-
ferior surface of the head and abdomen light straw-color, with an ex-
ternal series of distant black spots on each side, confluent under the
tail, and constituting a medial band.
Betw. San Antonio )
& El Paso. j
Rio Grande. 231. 53. 33
F't Webster, Santa
Rita del Cohre
" 225. 63. 31. 39. 5i
Sonora, Mex. 222. 60. 29-31. 23|. 4^
California. 226. 58. 31
228. 44. 33. 61|. 5f .
611. 5f.
^^""I 225. 63. 31-33. 44i. 6J.
3. )
45f,
5|.
Col. J. D. Graham.
Gen. S. Churchill.
Col. J. D. Graham.
a
Dr. W. Gambel.
3. Pitssopliis McClellanii, B. & G. — Head subelliptical. Rostral
plate very narrow. Anteorbitals 2 ; postorbitals 4. Dorsal 33-35 rows ;
the 7 outer rows smooth. Tail forming ^ or J^ of total length. Postocular
vitta brown, and rather broad. Suborbital black patch conspicuous ; com-
missure of labials black. Color of body reddish yellow, with a series of 53
blotches from head to origin of tail. Blotches of adjoining series, on either
side, confluent across the light spaces between medial blotches. Flanks
covered with small blotches, forming 3 or 4 indistinct series. Twelve trans-
verse jet black bars across the tail. Abdomen yellowish, thickly maculated
with black patches.
Head proportionally large, ovoid, detached from the body. Snout
pointed. Occipital plates small. Vertical broad, subpentagonal,
slightly concave on the sides. Superciliaries large. Internal postfront-
als rather narrow, elongated, external postfrontals quadrilateral, a lit-
tle broader forwards. Prefrontals irregularly quadrangular. Rostral
very narrow, extending halfway between the prefrontals, convex
and raised above the surface of the snout. Nostrils in the middle
line between the nasals, the posterior of which is a little the smaller.
Loral trapezoidal, proportionally large. Inferior anteorbital very
small, resting upon the fourth upper labial. Postorbitals varying
in comparative size. Temporal shields small, resembling scales.
Upper labials 8, 6th and 7th the larger. Lower labials 12, 6th and
7th largest. Posterior mental shields very small, extending to op-
posiie the junction of the 7th and 8th lower labials. Scales propor-
PITUOPHIS. 69
tionally small, in 33-35 rows, the 7 outer ones perfectly smooth and
somewhat larger than the remaining rows.
Ground-color yellowish brown, with three series of dorsal black
blotches, 53 in number, from the head to opposite the anus, with
12 on the tail, in the shape of transverse bars. Those of the
medial series the larger, and covering 8 or 9 rows of scales. On
the anterior part of the body they are subcircular, embracing longi-
tudinally four scales ; posteriorly they become shorter by one scale.
The light spaces between are a little narrower than the blotches
themselves for the twelve anterior blotches, and wider than the
blotches for the remaining length of the body. The blotches of the
adjoining series alternate with those of the medial series, being oppo-
site to the light intermediate spaces, across which the blotches of
either sides are generally united by a transversal narrow band. The
flanks are densely covered with small and irregular blotches, forming
three indistict series, confluent in vertical bars towards the orifin of
the tail. Inferior surface of the head yellowish, unicolor. Abdo-
men dull yellow, with crowded brownish black blotches in series on
the extremity of the scutella3.
Red River, Arh. 231. 52. 35. 38^-. 4i. Capts. Marcy&McClellan.
" 231. 52. 33. 24J. 2|-. «
4* Pituoplsis catewifer, B. & G.— Head subelliptical, flattened
above. Vertical plate elongated, nearly equilateral, posterior triangular
portion excepted. Rostral broad. Anteorbitals 2 ; postorbitals 3. Loral
trapezoidal, proportionally larger tlian in other species. Dorsal rows of
scales 31 ; the 4 external rows smooth. Tail forming about j of the total
length. Frontal black bar conspicuous. Postocular vitta of a jet black,
reaching the angle of the mouth between the penultimate and last upper
labials. Color of body grayish yellow, the triple series of dorsal black
blotches, 61 in number, from the head to the origin of the tail, forming a
continuous chain all along the back, owing to the confluence of the lateral
series of small blotches with the large medial series, with which they alter-
nate. A series of proportionally large subcircular blotches along the mid-
dle of the flanks. Middle of the abdomen unicolor, with an external series
of black spots on each side.
Syn. Coluber catenifer, Blainv. Nouv. Ann. Mus. Hist. Nat. Ill, 1834.
PI. xxvi. figs. 2, 2 a, 2 b.
Head siabelliptical. Vertical plate maintaining its width posteri-
orly. Superciliaries proportionally large. Occipitals very much
70 PITUOPHIS.
dilated anteriorly, tapering posteriorly. Prefrontals proportionally
small, subcircular. The nasals are nearly equal in size, and the
nostrils open between their commissure near the edge of the pre-
frontals. Rostral proportionally broad, even with the surface of the
snout. Loral small, subelliptical and oblique. Two anteorbitals,
the upper one very large, the lower one small, resting on the
fourth upper labial. Three postorbitals of nearly the same size.
The temporal shields, ten to twelve in number, are slightly larger
than the contiguous scales. Upper labials 8, 7th the larger. Lower
labials 12, 5th and 6th largest. Posterior mental shields very nar-
row, extending beyond the 6th lower labial. Dorsal scales narrow
and rather acute, constituting 31 rows, the outer one of which is con-
siderably the larger. Tail very tapering.
Ground-color above fuscous, with a triple series of black blotches
along the back, 78 in number, the 61st opposite to the anus; 17 on
the tail. The blotches of the medial series are proportionally very
large, quadrangular, longer than broad, covering six rows of scales,
and the half of the adjoining rows, embracing longitudinally five or six
scales. A narrow light space of one scale exists between each blotch.
The adjoining series is composed of much smaller blotches, alternat-
ing and covering three rows of scales confluent with the middle ones,
thus forming a continuous chain on the back, and enclosing entirely
the light spaces between the blotches. A series of subcircular or
oblong blotches runs conspicuously along the middle of the flanks,
on the 4th, 5th, 6th, and 7th rows of scales. These are 88 in num-
ber, the 71st opposite to the anus, and 10 along the anterior half of
the tail. The five first blotches are elongated, and exhibit a tend-
ency towards forming a vitta or band. From the middle region of
the body to the tail, two obsolete series of very small blotches are seen
alternating with the series of the flanks, one above and one below.
The abdomen is yellowish, unicolor, except a series of blotches on the
extremities of the scutellae, extending sometimes to the outer row of
scales.
>S'a?i Francisco, Cal. 230. 71. 31. 35. 5|. (on dep.) Expl. Exped.
PITUOPHIS. 71
5. Pitliophis Williesii, B. & G.— Head elongated, conical for-
wards. Vertical plate pentagonal, much broader anteriorly than posteri-
orly. Eostral broad. Anteorbitals 2 ; postorbitals 3. Loral trapezoidal.
Dorsal rows of scales 29-31 ; three outer rows smooth. Tail ^ or -]- of total
length. Frontal black bar well marked. Postocular vitta extending over
the last upper labial to the angle of the mouth. Color of body whitish yel-
low on the sides, reddish yellow above, with a dorsal series of subquadrate
blotches, 70 in number, from the head to origin of the tail, and proportion-
ally smaller than in any other species. The blotches of the two adjoining
series not confluent with those of the medial one.
Head elongated, subelliptical, subpyramidal, or subconical anteri-
orly. Occipital plates much longer than broad, longer than either
the vertical or superciliaries. Vertical pentagonal, concave laterally,
tapering ; length greater than the width of its anterior margin. Ex-
ternal postfrontals sometimes divided into two plates, one of which
has been called upper loral. Internal postfrontals elongated, very
narrow posteriorly, sometimes also subdivided. Rostral broad, not
separating the prefrontals. Nasals equal in size ; nostrils intermediate
and nearer to the frontals than labials. Loral not very large. In-
ferior anteorbitals small, and situated between the 4th and 5th upper
labials. Postorbitals nearly equal in size, and generally contiguous
to the anterior ones, »thus excluding the labials from the orbit, into
which, however, the fifth occasionally enters. Temporal shields
scarcely to be distinguished from the scales. Upper labials 8 or 9,
4th or 5th occasionally coming into the orbit, penultimate the largest.
Lower labials 12 or 13, 5th or 6th the largest, the six posterior ones
very much reduced. Dorsal scales elliptical, forming 29-31 rows,
the three outer rows perfectly smooth, slight carinai on the 4th, 5th,
and 6th rows, and not very conspicuous on the remaining ones.
Tail conical and tapering.
Ground-color yellowish, with a dorsal series of subquadrate blotches,
about 90 in number, 20 of which on the tail. These are deep
brown, margined with black anteriorly, entirely black posteriorly ;
these blotches cover transversely 8 or 9 rows of scales, embracing
longitudinally five to seven scales on the antei-ior region of the body,
and two or three posteriorly. The spaces between the blotches are
of the uniform width of one scale for the whole length of the body,
decidedly narrower than in other species. A lateral series of blotches
on each side of the medial, covering three rows of scales, and alter-
72 PITUOPHIS.
nating •witli the medial series. A series of blotclies along the middle
of the flanks opposite to the blotches of the medial series of the back.
On the anterior part of the body the lateral blotches are elongated,
and occasionally combine into a band or vitta behind the neck. On
the anterior third of the body, an indistinct series of black spots may
be seen between the scutellas and the outer series of lateral blotches.
Inferior surface of head and abdomen dull yellowish white, with two
series of distant blotches, the outer series more conspicuous than the
inner one, and extending to the end of the tail.
In the young the middle region of the abdomen is unicolor, and
the external series of spots only exists, which, together with the series
on the middle of the flanks, are most conspicuous.
Puget Sound, Or. 215. 56. 29-31. 39^. 5|. (ondep.) Expl. Exped.
" 209. 72. 29-31. 41|. 7|. "
Oregon. 209. 66. 29. 14i 1\. «
" 213. — 29. 13i. II. «
6. PituopSiis ailllCCtens, B. & G. — Head elongated, elliptical.
Vertical plate subpentagonal, elongated, posteriorly obtuse, with sides con-
cave. Anteorbitals 2 ; postorbitals 3. Dorsal rows of scales 33, 5 outer
rows smooth. Triple series of dorsal blotches confluent for nearly the whole
length of the body.
Difi"ers from P. catenifer in having much smaller dorsal blotches,
and more interspaced. The fifteen anterior blotches of the three
dorsal series almost united in a transverse or oblique band, ante-
riorly and posteriorly irregular. The blotches on the flanks are also
proportionally smaller than in P. catenifer. From P. Wilkesii, which
it resembles in the small size of the blotches, it differs by a more coni-
cal head, a narrower and longer vertical plate, and a rostral reaching
higher up on the snout. The loral and superior anteorbital are quite
large, and the lower anteorbital very small. In one specimen we
have noticed 5 postorbitals, the 5th contiguous to the lower ante-
orbital, thus constituting a continuous chain beneath the eye. Dor-
sal scales in 33 rows, the 5 outermost perfectly smooth.
San Diego, Cal. 243. 71. 33. 28|. 4i|. Dr. J. L. Leconte.
SCOTOPHIS. 73
Genus SCOTOPHIS, Baird & Girard.
Gen. Char. Foi-m colubrine. Body cylindrical, yery long —
many individuals attaining a very large size, perhaps the largest of
all North American serpents. Head elongated, rather narrow.
Vertical plate very broad, sometimes wider than long. Posterior
frontals very large. Postorbitals 2 ; anteorbitals one, generally very
large ; the longitudinal extension of this and of the postfrontals pro-
ducing a much elongated muzzle. Mouth deeply cleft, outline
nearly straight. Dorsal rows of scales 23-29 ; those along the back
slightly carinated (9-15 rows), on the sides smooth. Abdominal
scutellae from 200 to 235; posterior bifid. Subcaudals all bifid.
Color brown or black, in quadrate blotches on the back and on the
sides, separated by lighter intervals. Abdomen usually coarsely
blotched with darker. In one species dark stripes on a light ground.
Although very large and powerful, many of the species of the genus
are characterized by their extreme gentleness, rarely becoming en-
raged, even when prJvoked.
1. vScofopllis alleg'liailiesisis, B. & G. — Vertical plate longer
than broad. Posterior upper labial largest. Outer 7 rows of scales smooth.
Dorsal rows 27. Abdominal scutellse 235. Color black below, mottled
anteriorly with white. White edges to some scales, imparting an appear-
ance of dorsal and lateral blotches, especially in the young.
Syn. Coluber alleghaniensis, Holbr. N. Amer. Herp. I, 1836, 111. PI. xx;
and 2d. ed. Ill, 1842, 85. PI. xix.— Dekat, New York Fauna. Kept. 1842, 36.
PL xii, fig. 26.
Anterior frontals larger in proportion than in ^S'. Lindheimerii.
Superciliaries subtriangular. Upper labials 8, increasing behind ;
posterior the largest. Lower labials 11, 5th and 6th largest, de-
creasing posteriorly. Nostrils more in the anterior nasal. Outer
seven rows of dorsal scales smooth, then an obsolete carination, in-
creasing to the vertebral series. Each scale minutely bipunctate.
General color lustrous pitch-black ; beneath, the color posteriorly
is uniform slate-black ; on the chin and throat dull yellowish : these
74 • SCOTOPHIS.
two colors, as they extend towards each other, are of less and less
extent, mingling in the form of blotches : the anterior fourth shows
most of yellowish, the next fourth most of the black, the posterior
half uniform black. On separating the scales, those at certain suc-
cessive intervals on both back and sides will be found to have their
bases narrowly margined with white, as if the fundamental color con-
sisted of dark blotches on a white ground, as in *S'. Lindheimerii.
A second specimen, smaller, shows the same characters, but with
more of white beneath.
Carlisle, Fa. 234+1.86.27. 59j. lOf. S. F. Baird.
Unknown. 233+1. 83. 27. 39i. 7i. Unknown.
2. ScotoplliS I^indlaeimeril, B. & G.— Head broader than in
S. alleyhaniensis. Vertical plate as broad anteriorly as long. Posterior
upper labials smaller than in S. alleghaniensis. Dorsal series 29 ; abdominal
scutellte 228-235. Black dorsal and lateral blotches ; intermediate space
rather lighter, with scales edged with white. Scale on sides of neck white,
each with bluish spot.
Occipitals moderate, their commissure equal in length to the verti-
cal. Orbits moderate, above the 4th and 5th labials, centre about
midway between the snout and angle of the mouth. Anterior orbital
large, single, extending nearly to the outer angle of the vertical.
Loral trapezoidal, highest anteriorly. Nasals moderate, including
nostrils between them. Labials 8 above, moderate, posterior small;
12 below; posterior very small, 6th and 7th largest. Nine rows of
scales between labials and abdominal scutella? at the angle of the
mouth. Outer ten rows smooth, then carinated very obsoletely^
rather more decidedly and in increasing degree towards the back.
Color above dark lead color, constituted by a dorsal series of
quadrangular blotches, about 34 from head to anus, rather acutely
emarginate before and behind, occupying a width equal to about 15
scales. The lozenge-shaped intervals between these blotches are
from two to three scales long centrally, diminishing and becoming
more linear posteriorly. On each side, and alternating with the
dorsal series, is a second alternating one, composed of subrectangu-
lar elongated blotches, and alternating again with these is a second
indistinct series along the edge of the abdomen. The entire system
of coloration is very difficult to define, the general appearance being
that of a black snake with irregular obsolete mottlings of white.
SCOTOPHIS. • 75
The intervals between the blotches may be indicated as being white,
with the centre and apex of each scale lead color, the proportion of
the latter being very small on the sides, and increasing to the dorsal
line. The scales in the centres of the blotches have the basal half
narrowly margined with white, as is the case, to some extent, with
the lateral spots. Beneath greenish white, with the centres of the
scutellae mottled with dark slate-blue, increasing backwards. Chin
and throat immaculate yellowish white, scales on the sides with a
bluish spot on the apex.
The colors described are those as preserved in alcohol. Probably
the color of the animal when alive is much like that of Bascanion
constrictor or ScotopJiis alleghanienzis.
In the general obsoleteness of the markings, the blotches may
sometimes be detected as more or less confluent between the difl'erent
series.
NewBraunfds, Tex. 227+1. 81. 29. 36. 7. Dr. F. Lindheimer.
A second specimen much larger, of what appears to be the same
species, diifers in having the belly nearly uniform yellowish : the
black of the upper parts is replaced by umber-brown. The blotches
are visible, but very obsoletely.
Indianola. - 234+1. 85. 29. 60. 9. Col. J. D. Graham.
3* Scotopllis VMlpinus, B. & G. — Head rather short, vertical
broader than long. Postfrontals very large, as long as the verticals, pe-
nultimate upper labial largest. Dorsal series 25 ; outer 4 rows smooth.
Abdominal scutellse 203. Subquadrate dorsal blotches transverse,. 3 or 4
scales long. Tail tumid.
Anterior frontals much smaller than the posterior. Rostral broad.
Occipitals broad, rather short, longer than the vertical. Eyes smaller
than in S. aUcglianiends, centre over the junction of the 4th and 5th
labials. Upper labials 8, penultimate one the largest, last somewhat
smaller : lower 10, 6th the largest. Anteriorly the first three or four
rows are smooth, there they are very obsoletely carinated, increasing
towards the back, although everywhere moderately so. Tail thick.
General aspect that of Ophiholus eximius, from which it is however
distinguishable by the carinated scales and other generic features.
Ground-color above light brown. A series of broad transverse quad-
rate chocolate blotches extending from head to tail, about 00 in num-
ber, 44 to anus. The first spot anteriorly is divided into two on the
76 * SCOTOPHIS.
nape, and occasionally the blotches anteriorly are irregular, oblique,
and varying in size. This occurs, however, only on the anterior fifth
of the body, behind which the intervals between the blotches are
rectilinear, nearly equal, and about one and a half scales in length.
The blotches are generally embraced between the 5th or 6th rows
on each side, and are 3 to 4 scales long. The sides of the blotches
are not linear but obtuse angled. On each side is a series of smaller
rounded blotches on the 3-7th rows, similar in color to those on the
back, and like them with a black border, sometimes more or less in-
terrupted. Another series of subquadrate black blotches, about the
same size as the last, is visible on the edge of the abdomen, some-
times involving the 1st and 2d rows of scales, these are opposite to
the dorsal blotches. Rest of the abdomen yellowish white, with al-
ternating quadrate blotches of black. The brown color becomes
lighter on the sides.
Racine, Wise. 202+1. 68. 25. 32. 7. Dr. P. R. Hoy.
A second much larger specimen from Michigan has the ground-
color a yellowish brown, and there is a black streak from the eye to
the angle of the mouth; a second vertical stripe under the eye. The
spots on the back are only about 45, of which 13 belong to the tail.
This species is probably allied to C calUgaster of Say, but no men-
tion is made of the abdominal blotches, and Drs. Holbrook and Hal-
lowell assure us particularly that the scales are smooth.
Grosse lie, Mich. 202+1.69.25. 57.9. Eev. Chas. Fox.
4. Scotopllis COIifinls^ B. & G. — Vertical plate longer tlian broad.
Nostrils more anterior than in S. vulpinus. Dorsal rows 2-5, outer rather
larger ; exterior 6 rows smooth ; abdominal scales 240. Quadrate dorsal
blotches elongated throughout, 5-6 scales long.
Head large, broad. Posterior frontals large ; anterior consider-
ably smaller ; occipitals broad, large. Eye rather large ; centre over
the line joining the 4th and 5th labials : orbits above the whole of
the 4th and 5th labials. Upper labials 8, penultimate the largest,
last one large; inferior 12 or 11, posterior small. Nostrils nearly
terminal. Rostral narrow, high.
Seales rather short. Outer six rows smooth, remainder very obso-
letely carinated. Exterior row rather larger, rest nearly uniform.
SCOTOPHIS. 77
General aspect that of Ophiholus eximius, from which its larger eyes
and head, carinated scales, &c. at once distinguish it. Ground-
color ash-gray. A series of 44 dorsal blotches, of which 12 are on
the tail. These blotches are dark chocolate-brown, with obsolete
black margins. They are included between the 6th and 7th row on
each side, and about six scales long. They are very regular in shape,
longitudinally quadrate, rather wider transversely in the middle, and
with the corners slightly produced longitudinally. The gray inter-
vals are thus not quite rectilinear, rather elliptical, but of the same
width throughout. On the 2d, 3d, 4th, and 6th lateral rows is a
second series of similar blotches, more or less elongated, especially
anteriorly. On the side of the neck, indeed, the 'blotches are con-
fluent into very narrow distinct stripes. A third series of square
blotches on the side of the abdomen, involving the 1st and 2d lateral
rows. Rest of belly yellowish white, with black blotches; anterior
eighth immaculate. A black stripe from the posterior part of the
orbit to the angle of the mouth, which it reaches on the anterior
extremity of the last labial. A vertical line beneath the eye, and
the edges of the labials in front also black. Some blotching on the
top of the head, which is too indistinct to define.
Compared with S. vulpinus the eyes are larger, the vertical plate
longer, the nostrils more anterior, the carination more obsolete.
Body more elongatecf. Abdominal scutellai more numerous. Spots
longitudinal, not transverse. Scales shorter, broader, more obtusely
angular.
This species is closely allied to S. f/uttafus, but is quite distinct.
Its full characters can only be seen in larger specimens, which may
have been confounded with S. (juttatus. Very probably some of the
numerous synonyms assigned to the latter species may belong here,
but in the want of accurate descriptions, the only course left is to
give a new name.
Anderson, S. C. 239+1. 81. 25. 16J. 4f. Miss C. Paine.
5. Scotopllis laetus, B. & G. — Similar to S. confinis, but posterior
frontals larger. Vertical plate longer than broad. Dorsal rows 29. Ab-
dominal scutellse 227. Blotches fewer.
This species bears a close resemblance to *S'. confinu, and its cha-
racters may be best given by comparison with the latter. It difi"ers
therefore in the greater number of dorsal rows, 29 instead of 25.
78 SCOTOPHIS.
The whole body and head are much stouter. Exterior eight rows
smooth, rest slightly carinated. The vertical is broad before,
rather acute behind. A probably monstrous feature is seen in the
union of the two postfrontals, except for a short distance before, and
in the loral and postnasal coalescing into one trapezoidal plate.
Blotches less numerous. A broad vitta across the back part of the
postfrontals, passing backwards and downwards through the eye, and
terminating acutely on the posterior upper labial. A blotch across
the back part of the vertical, and extending through the occipitals
on each side to the nape. The spots are larger, longitudinal through-
out, with occasional exceptions.
Its affinities to S. vulpinus are close. The vertical, however, is
narrow, the eyes much larger, dorsal rows 29 instead of 25. The
blotches on the back are longitudinal, and fewer in number. For
the full description of this species also, it will be necessary to pro-
cure larger specimens.
Red River, Ark. 227. 77. 29. 18. 3^. Capts. Marcy & M'Clellan.
6. Scotopllis §^uttatus, B. & G.— Head narrow. Dorsal rows 27,
outer one scarcely larger ; abdominal scutellaj 215-235. A series of quadrate
brick-red blotches, intervals lighter. Two light frontlets on the head, mar-
gined with black, enclosing a dark red stripe which passes through the eye,
across the mouth to the neck.
Syn. Coluber guitatus, Linn. Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 385. — Gm. Linn. Syst.
Nat. ed. xiii, I, iii, 1788, 1110. — Harl. Journ. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. V,
1827, 363; and Med. & Phys. Res. 1885, 126.-Schl. Ess. Phys. Serp. Part,
descr. 1837, 168.— Holer. N. Amer. Herp. II, 1838, 109. PI. xxiv; and 2d
ed. Ill, 1842, 65. PI. xiv.
Head elongated, outline nearly straight, and transversely tapering
from the sides of the occiput to the subtruncate snout. Vertical
large, longer than wide, pentagonal, with the lateral margins at a
very slight angle with each other. Occipitals rather narrow. Eye
moderate; centre rather in advance of junction of 4th and 5th
labials ; orbit above the whole of these labials. Labials 8 above,
penultimate the largest; 11 below.
Body elongated, decidedly compressed to the tip of the tail. Dor-
sal rows 27. Carination very obsolete, visible only on the 13 central
rows, and there very indistinctly ; not evident on the tail. Scales
SCOTOPHIS. 79
rather large, triangular, pointed. The exterior row little if any
larger than the rest.
General color of body above light red, paler on the sides. Along
the back a series of dorsal blotches, about 45 in number, 32 from
head to anus. These blotches anteriorly are longitudinally quad-
rate, gradually becoming transverse; in front they are concave be-
fore and behind, and with the corners produced longitudinally,
exteriorly they are zigzag convex. The color of each blotch is a
dark brick-red, with a deep black margin half a scale wide. Ex-
terior to the black is a lighter shade of the ground-color. On each
side of the dorsal series is a second alternating one of smaller elon-
gated blotches, similarly constituted as to color. A third opposite
to the dorsal, occurs on the edge of the abdomen, and on the 1st to
the 4th row of scales : in this the red is lighter, and the black is con-
fined to a few scattered scales. The lateral blotches are more or less
indistinct in places, and frequently confluent with each other and the
dorsal series. Posteriorly too they are reduced more or less to the
black marks in single scales. Color beneath yellowish white, with
subquadrangular blotches of black, generally occupying half of the
inferior surface of the abdominal scutellae.
The ground-color of the sides extends up on the forehead in the
form of a frontlet, which crosses the vertical at its anterior extremity,
passes backwards along the top of the head, including the supercili-
aries and outside of occipitals, crosses above the angle of the mouth,
and runs into the sides of the neck. This is narrowly margined on
both edges with black. A second frontlet across the front of the
postfrontals, narrower but similar, and bending down on each side to
the anteorbital. A similarly colored blotch on the commissure
of the occipitals, widening behind and constituting a centre to the
dark red space enclosed by the large frontlet on the back of the neck :
behind the one just mentioned is another rather larger, and the two
are sometimes confluent. A dark red stripe is included between the
two frontlets just described, crossing the posterior part of the post-
frontals, the upper end of the anterior frontals, and through the eye,
across the angle of the mouth down the sides of the neck. Vertical
edges of the upper and lower labials black.
Charleston, S. C. 214+1. 79. 27. 29 1. 4^. Dr. Barker.
Specimens from Kemper Co., Miss., much larger in size, agree
exactly in the pattern of coloration. The red is, however, more or
80 SCOTOPHIS.
less effaced, probably by tbe alcohol. The blotches are light hazel,
and the interspaces light chocolate.
Smaller specimens from Georgia differ only in having the blotches
dark hazel, lighter centrally. The intervals are ash-gray.
The young sustain a close resemblance to the species described
from Anderson, S. C. The scales are scarcely if at all carinated
however ; the dorsal rows two more : the blotches less regularly quad-
rate and not elongate posteriorly. The shape of the head and its
plates are different. The markings on the head in the latter are
reduced to a uniform black band across the postfrontals, passing back
through the eye, and ending acutely on the angle of the mouth. The
scales also are more carinated.
3 Kemper Co., Miss. 226+1.69.27. 43. 7. D.C.Lloyd.
-^ . " 223+1. 66. 27. 47. 7. "
'-^^ ^ ^ Mississippi. — — 27 — — Dr. B. F. Shumard.
1*-^-"^ \ Savannah, Ga. 226+1. 65. 27. 21. 3i E. R. Cuyler.
Georgia. 236+1. — 27. 12. 1^ (on dep.) Prof. Adams.
X " 228+1. — 27. 13|. 2. «
1. Scot05>liis qtiatlrivittafiis, B. & G. — Shape of head resem-
bling most that of S. lastus. Vertical broader anteriorly and more tapering
posteriorly. Dorsal rows of scales 27, the five or eight medial rows alone
, carinated; the carination obsolete. Greenish yellow, with four longitudinal
brown bands.
Syn. Coluber quadrivittatus, Holbb. N. Amer. Herp. Ill, 1842, 89. PI. xx.
Chicken Snake, Baktr. Trav. in Carol., Geo. & Florida, 1791, 275.
Body slender, tail very slender, about the fifth of the total length.
Head elliptical, quite detached from the body by a slender neck.
Eyes large. Vertical plate pentagonal, slightly concave on the sides,
equalling in length the commissure of the occipitals. The lower por-
tion of the anterior orbital is narrower than in S. Isetus. Loral tra-
pezoidal. Two elongated and small temporal shields. Upper labials
8, 7th largest; lower labials 10, 5th largest. Rostral hexagonal.
Scales very thin, lozenge-shaped, constituting 27 dorsal rows. Slight
traces of carination may be observed on the five or eight medial rows.
The outer row is composed of scales as high as long; in the second
row they are perceptibly larger than the remaining ones.
Ground-color above greenish yellow, with four longitudinal brown
bands, covering each one entire row of scales and the half of the ad-
SCOTOPHIS. 81
joining rows. The lateral bauds thus extend along the 3d, 4th, and
5th rows, the 4th being the one entirely covered. The dorsal bands
extend along the 10th, 11th, and 12th rows, the 11th being entirely
covered. The space between the dorsal and lateral band embraces
four entire rows of scales, and the half of the adjoining ones. The
dorsal space between the dorsal bands comprises three entire rows of
scales and the half of the adjoining rows. The abdomen, head and
tail beneath ai-e uniformly light straw-color. On the removal of the
epidermis the dark bands disappear to a considerable extent, and then
indistinct and obsolete quadrate spots become visible on the sides,
and probably on the back. The edges of many of the scales are
lighter.
Florida. 236+1. 93. 27. 23i 5f. (ondep.) Prof Agassiz.
g2 OPHIBOLUS.
Genus OPHIBOILIJS, Baird & Girard.
Gen. Char. Body rather thick, tail short. Dorsal rows 21, (in
one group 23,) the scales hexagonal, arranged in longitudinal series,
broad, short, scarcely overlapping, nearly as high as long, all per-
fectly smooth and lustrous. Abdominal scutellae 180-220 ; posterior
entire. Subcaudal all bifid. Head short, depressed, but little wider
than the body. Eyes very small. Vertical plate very broad. Post-
orbitals two, the lower in notch between the 4th and 5th labials.
One anteorbital, like the loral, small. Nasals two, with the nostril
between them. Upper labials 7.
Ground-color black, brown, or red, crossed by lighter intervals
generally bordered by black.
The type of the genus is to be found in 0. Sayi, to which we would
refer for more full generic characters. The red species belong to the
genus Erythrolamprus of Boie, as understood by Dumeril & Bibron.
B. Dorsal roivs 23.
1. OpllibolUS Boylii, B. & G.— Black, with upwards of 30 broad
ivory white transverse bands widening on the sides. Dorsal rows of scales
23.
Vertical plate distinctly pentagonal, longer than broad: more
elongated than in 0. Sayi. Sides nearly parallel, a little shorter
than the occipital plates. The sides of the head as in 0. Sayi. Dorsal
rows 23, the scales rather more elongated than in 0. Sayi. Outer
row a little larger, all the rest nearly equal. Back and sides black,
crossed by about 37 ivory-white bands, the 30th opposite the anus.
On the vertebral region these bands are about one and a half scales
wide, with the margins parallel to about the 7th outer row of scales,
where they begin to widen, so as to embrace from five to seven scales
on the outer row. They continue of this width to the middle of the
abdomen, where they are either confluent with the white of the oppo-
site side, or are opposite to the black interval on the other side.
The black interval between the cross bands is some eight to ten scales
OPHIBOLUS. 83
long, narrowing on the sides as the white spaces enlarge, until on the
outer dorsal rows it occupies them to four scales, and is continued to
the middle of the abdomen ; owing to a slight obliquity of the dark
patches on the back, their abdominal extensions ai-e very apt to
alternate with each other on the middle of the abdomen, instead of
being directly opposite and confluent. Every transition from the one
condition to the other is observable. The general pattern is thus : a
black body, encircled by white rings, which are wider on the sides
and beneath. The end of the tail is distinctly annulated. Occa-
sionally some of the black scales on the sides have indistinct white
spots in the centres. Labials, plates on the sides of the head, and
above in front of the vertical, yellow, with black margins.
El Dorado Co., Cal. 240.52.23. 28.31. Dr. C. C. Boyle.
2. Opllil>OlU!« spleildidus, B. & G.— Black above ; the sides black,
■with a white spot in each scale. The body crossed by broad bands, consist-
ing of white spots, one in each scale. Dorsal rows 23.
Similar in general features to 0. Boylii. Vertical plate similar to
that of 0. Boylii but broader, and the sides more nearly parallel.
This species forras a connecting link, as to color, between the
blotched varieties of* 0. Sayi and 0. getulus. There is a series
of dorsal black blotches from head to tail; in one specimen 63,
the 49th opposite the anusj in the other 52, the 41st opposite
the anus. These are four or five scales long, and six or seven wide.
The lighter intervals between are constituted by one or two trans-
verse rows of spots, each one on a separate scale. The scales on the
sides (from the 1st to the 7th or 8th rows) are black, each one with an
elongated white blotch in the centre. These blotches occupy nearly
the whole scale on the exterior row, but diminish in amount towards
the back. A series of rhomboidal darker spots is seen on each side
opposite the light intervals, produced by the less amount of white
on the scales at that place, and sometimes extend to the abdomen.
The abdomen is white, blotched not very deeply with black two or
three scales wide, and a continuation of the dark shade in the pro-
longation of the lateral rhomboids. The blotches of the opposite
sides are sometimes confluent and sometimes alternate. In one spe-
cimen the black patches are rather wider, extending nearly to the
abdomen. Head less blotched with yellow than 0. Boylii. DiiFers
84 OPHIBOLUS.
from 0. Boylii in having the light intervals in the form of spots in
the centres of dark scales, instead of covering the whole space. The
lateral blotches are alternate with those of the back, not continuous
and opposite. The blotches are more numerous.
^onova.Mcx. 219.65.23. 36. 5|. Col. J. D. Graham.
" 215. 55. 23. 26. 4. "
B. Dorsal rows 21.
3. OpSlibolMS Sayi, B. & G. — Black, each scale above with a large
circular or yellow spot in the centre. Sometimes only transverse lines of
these spots across the back.
Syn. Herpetodryas getulus, Schl. Ess. Phys. Serp. Part, descr. II, 1837, 198.
Coronella Sayi, Holbe. (non Schl.) N. Amer. Herp. Ill, 1842, 99. PL xxii.
Coluber Sayi, Dekay, New York Fauna, Kept. 1842, 41.
King Snake.
As already remarked, we consider this as the true type of the
genus, and shall accordingly reproduce some of the generic features
in more detail.
Body, as in most of the other species, very tense and rigid, with
difficulty capable of being extended after immersion in alcohol.
Vertical plate triangular, wider than long ; outer edge slightly con-
vex, an angle being faintly indicated at the junction of the super-
ciliaries and occipitals ; shorter than the occipitals, which are short,
longer than broad. Postfrontals large, broad; anterior smaller.
Bostral small, not projecting, slightly wedged between prefrontals.
Eye very small, orbit about as high as the labial below it; centre
of the eye a little anterior to the middle of the commissure, over the
junction of the 3d and 4th labials. One anteorbital, vertically
quadrate ; loral half its height, square. Upper labials 7, increasing
to the penultimate. Lower labials 9 ; 4th and 5th largest.
Scales nearly as high as long, hexagonal, truncated at each end.
Dorsal rows 21, exterior rather larger, and diminishing almost im-
perceptibly to the back, although all the scales in a single oblique
row are of very nearly the same shape and size.
The scales on the back and sides are lustrous black, each one with
a central elliptical or subcircular spot of ivory-white, which on the
sides occupy nearly the whole of the scale, but are smaller towards
the back, where they involve one-half to one-third of the length.
Beneath yellowish white, with broad distinct blotches of black, more
OPHIBOLUS. 85
numerous posteriorly. Skin between the scales brown. The plates
on the top and sides of the head have each a yellowish blotch ; the
labials are yellow, with black at their junction. ^ - -
Prairie Mer Rouge, La. 216. 52. 21. 42. 5. Jas. Fairie. (L jl.« ^
Other specimens agree except in having bright yellow instead of
white as described; the spots too are rather smaller, and manifest a
slight tendency to aggregation on adjacent scales, so as to form trans-
verse bands. This is seen more decidedly where the back is crossed
by about 70 short dotted yellow lines ; the 56th opposite the anus.
The scales between have very obsolete spots of lighter, scarcely dis-
cernible. The sides are yellow, with black spots corresponding to
the dorsal lines ; indeed, there may be indistinctly discerned two or
three lateral series of alternating blotches.
Kem'per Co., Miss. 211. 52. 21. 47i. 6i. D. C. Lloyd.
« — 9i. — "
In larger specimens from the West, this tendency in the spots to
aggregation is still more distinct. The back is crossed by these
dotted lines of the number and relation indicated, at intervals of four
or five scales ; the spots on the intervening space being obsolete.
These lines bifurcate at about the 9th outer row, the branches con-
necting with those contiguous, so as to form hexagons, and these ex-
tending towards the abdomen again, decussate on about the third
outer row, thus enclosing two series of square dark spots on each
side. These lateral markings are, however, not very discernible,
owing to the confusion produced by the greater number of yellow
spots. On the edge of the abdomen are dark blotches, one opposite
each dorsal dark space, the centres of the scutellae being likewise
blotched, but so as rather to alternate with those just mentioned.
Specimens from Indianola exhibit all varieties of coloration.
Red River, Ark. 224. 49. 21. 33 i. 3f. Capts. Marcy&McClellan.
Indianola. 213.50.21. 39J. 4f. Col. J. D. Graham.
4. Opllibollis g'etulus, B. & G. — Black, crossed by about 30 nar-
row continuous yellow lines, which bifurcate on the flanks, the very obtuse
angles embracing on each side a series of very much elongated patches, and
in fact, by the union of the branches with each other, dividing the back into
a succession of large black hexagons.
8Q OPHIBOLUS.
Stx\. Coluber rjetulus. Link. Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 382.— Gm. Linn. Syst. Nat.
ed. xiii, I, iii, 1788, 1106.— Harl. Journ. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. V, 1827,
358 ; and Med. & Phys. Res. 1835, 122.— Peale, Cont. Macl. Lye. I, 1829.
PI. V.
Fseudoelaps getulus, FiTZ. N. Class. Eept. 1826, 56.
Coronella getula, Holer. N. Amer. Herp. III. 1842, 95. PI. xxi.
Anguis annulatus, Catesb. Nat. Hist. Carol. II, 1748, 52. Tab. Iii.
Thunder Snake ; King Snake ; Chain Snake.
Very similar in general relations to 0. Sayi, although the body
appears rather stouter, and the head and eyes somewhat larger in
proportion. The color above is deep lustrous black, crossed by about
33 continuous yellow lines, the 26th opposite the anus. These lines,
which on the middle of the back are narrow, one-half or one scale in
width, widen rapidly till they meet the lateral series of black blotches,
when they extend longitudinally in either direction, and anastomose
with their fellows. On each side, and alternating with the dark en-
closures on the back, is a series of deep black blotches, extending
from the abdomen (where those of opposite sides are generally con-
fluent) over the 1st and 2d outer rows of scales. These blotches are
rounded above, five or six scales long, and separated from the nearest
dark part of the back by one or one-half scale. The outer edge of
the abdomen, and the exterior dorsal rows between these blotches
being yellow, causes the chain pattern to be continuous, enclosing a
series of elongated dorsal spots, from 7 to 10 scales long and about
17 wide. Centre of abdomen largely blotched with black, usually
confluent with the blotches already mentioned. The plates on the
head are black, with yellow spots.
The pattern as here described is subject to some irregularities, the
chain being sometimes broken, and the lines oblique, not transverse,
and the dark blotches of opposite sides not truly opposite to each
other.
Anderson, S. C. 224. 48. 21. 30J. 4i Miss C. Paine.
, Charleston, S. C. 213. 52. 21. 47i 7h Dr. S. B. Barker.
^-\l^\ 31ississ{p2n. — — — Dr. B. F. Shumard.
5. Opliibolaii^ rliomboniacBilatus, B. & G.— Light chestnut,
with a dorsal series, and two lateral on each side of darker rhomboid
blotches. Each blotch with still darker margins.
Syn. Coronella rhombomaculaia, Holbr. N. Amer. Herp. Ill, 1842, 103.
PL xsiii.
OPHIBOLUS. ^ 87
Above light chestnut-brown, darker along the back, lighter to-
wards the abdomen. Each scale minutely mottled with darker.
Beneath reddish yellow, obscurely blotched with light-brown. A
series of 52 dorsal blotches from head to tip of tail, the 42d opposite
the anus. These are irregularly and transversely rhomboidal, six
or seven scales wide, one and a half to two and a half long, and se-
parated by intervals of about 3 scales, thus wider than the blotches.
Their color is darker chestnut, with still darker margins, and some-
times with a faint areola lighter than the ground-color. On each
side and alternating with this series, is a second on the 2d to the 6th
outer rows, and about a scale long; tlien a third again alternating on
the 1st, 2d, and 3d rows, sometimes involving the edges of the scu-
tellse. These, though smaller than the dorsal spots, are similar.
They are sometimes, confluent with each other, though rarely with
those of the back. There is a dark stripe from the eye to the angle
of the mouth.
Anderson, S. C. 203. 48. 21. 24. 3|. Miss C. Paine.
Georgia. 200. 44. 21. 28f. 3i. Prof. C. B. Adams.
6. OpSlibolus exiniius, B. & G.— Grayish ash, with one dorsal
series of upwards of 50 transversely elliptical chocolate blotches, with two
other alternating lateral series on each side.
Stn. Coluber eximius, Dekat, (Mss.) and N. York Fauna, Kept. 1842, 38.
PI. xii, fig. 25.— Harl. Journ. Acad. Nat. So. Philad. V, 1827, 360; and
Med. & Phys. Res. 1835, 123.— Storeb, Rep. Rept. Mass. 1839, 227.
Fseudoelaps Y, Berth. Abh. K. Ges.Wiss. Gott. 1, 1843, 67. PI. i, fig.ll & 12.
House Snake, Milk Snake, Chicken Snake, Thunder and Lightning Snake.
Muzzle rather broader, and the head more depressed than in the
first described species of the genus : in other respects generally
similar, like them having all the scales hexagonal, those on the back
scarcely narrower than those on the sides, although rather more
elongated than usual. Vertical longer than broad, shorter than the
occipitals. General color above yellowish gray, with a dorsal series
of large blotches, 55 in number from the head to the tip of the tail,
the 45th opposite to the anus. These are transversely elliptical, about
four scales long, covering 12 to 15 scales across the back, (more an-
teriorly than posteriorly,) and separated by intervals of one and a
half to two scales, all of nearly the same width. The spots them-
selves are grayish brown or chocolate, with a broad black border, and
88 OPHIBOLUS,
finely mottled internally (as is the ground-color on the sides) with
black. The blotches become narrower posteriorly ; on the tail their
confluence with the lateral series forms black half-rings. On each
side, and involving the 2d to the 5th rows, is another series of much
smaller and nearly circular blotches, black with the centres brown.
These alternate with the dorsal spots. Alternating with the series
just described is still another similar to it, but entirely black, on the
margin of the abdomen, and on the contiguous spots of the 1st, 2d, and
3d rows. These two lateral series are sometimes confluent. The an-
terior dorsal blotch is elongated, so as to cover the posterior half of
the vertical plate : and in it is a central elongated spot of the ground-
color behind the occipitals. A double light spot is seen on the junc-
tion of the occipitals, as in Eutainia. There are indications of a
dark band across the posterior half of the post^frontals, and another
from the eye to the angle of the mouth. The labials are edged with
black.
The abdomen is yellowish white, with square black blotches, al-
ternating with those already described.
The number and size of these spots varies somewhat in difi'erent
specimens, though rarely less than 40 from head to anus. The
young difi"er in having the dorsal blotches bright chestnut-red inside
of the black margins. The intervals are sometimes white, or clear
ash.
Wesfport,N. T. 214. 54. 21. 40J. 5i S. F. Baird.
Somerville, N. Y. 200. 49. 21. 27. SJ. Dr. F. B. Hough.
Warren, Mass. 200. 55. 21. 29. 4i. S. F. Baird.
Wohurn, Mass. — — — — — C. Girard.
Foxburg, Pa. — — — — — S. F. Baird.
Carlisle, Pa. 200. 52. 21. 25. 3 J.
li
'Y. OpllibolUS Clericus, B. & G. — Similar to 0. ezimiiis. Body
stouter. Head much shorter, centre of eye above the middle of the com-
missure. Eye much smaller. Body light ash, crossed by less than 40
blotches, which extend to the exterior dorsal row. Only one lateral series
of blotches.
Syn. Coluber eximius, Holbk. N. Amer. Herp. Ill, 1842, 69. PI. xv.
Similar in general appearance to 0. eximius, but readily distinguish-
able by prominent characters. The head and mouth are very short,
OPHIBOLUS. 89
the centre of the eye being in the centre of the commissure, not an-
terior to it. The vertical is as broad as long, and the occipitals are
but little longer than broad. The superciliaries are very short to
correspond with the minute eye. All these plates are shorter than
in the corresponding size of 0. eximius. The scales on the body are
much wider in proportion, and on the sides, where they are arranged
more in quincunx, owing to the less amount of truncation. Entire
body much stouter than in the allied species.
The body is crossed by a series of 38 dorsal blotches, the 29th
opposite the anus. They are much broader and larger than in 0.
eximius, and extend between the outer dorsal rows. These blotches
are chocolate, lighter on the sides, and distinctly bordered with
black ; they are about five or six scales long. The intervals between
the blotches are mottjled ash, or pepper and salt. On each side is a
second alternating series of black blotches, much smaller than the
dorsal, and extending from the exterior dorsal row on the edge of
the abdominal scutellas. Beneath yellowish white, with distinct
quadrate black blotches. The stripe from the eye to the angle of the
mouth as in 0. eximius.
The body, viewed from above, appears encircled by a series of
black rings in pairs, enclosing a third of an ash-color. The tints as
usual are darker on -the back.
Clark Co., Va. *199. 49. 21. 36. 6|. Dr. C. B. Kennerly.
Ilississijypi- — — — — — Dr. B. F. Shumard.
S. Opbibolus doliatus, B. & G. — Red, encircled by about 22 pairs
of narrow black rings, each enclosing a yellow unspotted ring. Head red,
with the first ring of the anterior pair crossing the ends of the occipitals.
Syn. Coluber doliatus, Linn. Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 379. — Gm. Linii. Syst.
Nat. ed. xiii, I, iii, 1788, 1096. — Haul. Journ. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. V,
1827, 3G2; and Med. & Phys. Res. 1835, 125.
Coronella coccinea, Schl. Ess. Phys. Serp. Part, descr. II, 1837, 67. PI.
ii, fig. 11.
Coronella doliata, Holbe. N. Amer. Ilerp. Ill, 1842, 105. PI. xxiv.
Head rather more depressed than in the species of the other sec-
tion. The lower postocular, which is smaller than the upper, rests
in a notch between the 4th and 5th upper labials, lying longitudi-
nally against the latter. In many other species the contact is not so
intimate.
90 OPHIBOLUS.
Color above yellowish -wbite ; in life, bright red. The body is en-
circled by 24 pairs of black rings, (the 19th opposite the anus,) each
pair enclosing a yellow ring between them. Along the back the
black and yellow rings are nearly of equal width, the three covering
a length on the back of five or six scales. Anteriorly their intervals
are 8 or 9 scales long, posteriorly somewhat less. The black rings,
as they descend on the sides, separate somewhat, so as to leave an
interval of about three scales; they are also somewhat narrower
than above. On the abdomen they are generally interrupted, the
corresponding ends of the same ring sometimes meeting, and some-
times alternating. Occasionally there are scattered black blotches
on the belly between the pairs. The anterior black ring of the first
pair crosses the posterior part of the occipitals, extending across be-
tween the angles of the mouth. The head in front of this is red,
with a small black ring in the posterior half of the vertical. The
posterior edges of the labials are black.
In a second smaller specimen from Mississippi, there are 17 pairs
of rings to the anus, and 4 on the tail. The whole head is black,
the first yellow interval beginning just back of the occipitals.
Not having a specimen of 0. doUatus from the Atlantic States, we
are in some uncertainty as to whether this be really the above species,
especially as it differs somewhat from Dr. Holbrook's description.
Kemper Co., Miss. 208. 49. 21. 18|. 2|. D. C Lloyd.
Mississippi. 188. 50. 21. 8*. l\. Dr. B. F. Shumard.
9. Opllibollis gentilis, B. & G. — Muzzle more convex and acute
than in 0. doliatus. Body brownish red, encircled by about 25 pairs of
broad black rings enclosing a yellow ring : the yellow mottled with black
on the sides. Black rings broader than in 0. doliatus. Upper part of head
entirely black.
Ground-color dull red, encircled by 25 pairs of black rings, the
21st opposite the anus, each pair enclosing a third ring of yellowish
white. The black rings are conspicuously broader above, the three
crossing eight scales on the vertebral row anteriorly, and towards the
anus about five. Anteriorly the intervals between successive pairs
consist of about five scales, posteriorly only of two or three, thus di-
minishing considerably. The black rings contract as they descend,
those of each pair receding slightly from each other, so as to cause
the yellow portion to expand about one scale. The black rings are
OPHIBOLUS. 91
continuous on the abdomen, those of contiguous pairs (not of the
same pair) sometimes with their intervening spaces black. The
scales in the -white rings are always more or less mottled with black,
especially along the sides of the body, this mottling being very rarely
observable on the red portion. The anterior black ring of the first
pair is extended so as to cover the whole head above, except the very
tip ; the yellow ring behind it involves the extreme tip of the oc-
cipital^.
A larger specimen is much duskier in its colors. The black rings
extend on the back so that the contiguous rings of adjacent pairs run
into each other. There are 28 pairs of rings, the 25th opposite the
anus.
In a specimen from Prairie Mer Rouge, which probably belongs
to this species, there are but 21 pairs of rings, the 19th opposite the
anus. The rings separate more on the sides than in the other speci-
mens, the intervals covering some six or eight scales. The black
rings are mostly interrupted below; the interrupted ends of con-
tiguous rings of adjacent pairs connected by short black blotches.
The white rings are mottled, and the head is black as described.
R.,R,e,A„., 198.45.21. 20. 2i. {^CmZ^
" -201. — 21. 27i. — "
?FrairieMerRouge,Lx. l*3i. 45. 21. 16i 2i. Jas. Fairie.
92 GEORGIA.
Genus GEORGIA, Baird & Girard.
Gen. Char. Vertical plate short, very broad. Superciliaries
broad, and the cornea scarcely visible from above. Head rather
high. "Outline of the top of the head very convex. Two postorbit-
als ; one large anteorbital. Two nasals, very short. Kostral broad,
low. Dorsal rows of scales perfectly smooth, in 17 rows, overlap-
ping or imbricated. Postabdominal scutella entire. Postfrontals
much larger than the prefrontals. Size of the animal very large.
Color black.
This genus has a strong resemblance to Bascanion, from which it
differs by its stouter form, much broader vertical, one anteorbital,
undivided postabdomidal scutella, &c. From Ophiholus it is dis-
tinguished by the broader superciliaries, deeper head, much imbri-*
cated scales, &c.
1. Georgia Couperi, B. & G.— Postorbitals resting on the 4th
labial. Black above, dark slate beneath. No red marks evident on the
abdomen.
Stn. Coluber Couperi, Holbk. N. Amer. Herp. Ill, 1842, 75. PI. xvi.
Vertical plate pentagonal, as broad as long. Much shorter than
the occipitals. Width of head greater than half its length. Eye
rather small, its centre above the junction of the 4th and 5th labials,
and anterior tu the middle of the commissure. Inferior postorbital
resting on the 4th labial. Loral quadrangular. Labials 7 above,
increasing in size to the 4th ; the 5th small, triangular, and having
the 4th and 6th in contact above it ; 6th very large ; 7th scarcely
smaller. Color intense lustrous black, the bases of the scutellae
clouded with lead-color. Plates on the inferior surface of the head
with the centres brownish yellow.
Specimen described belonging to the Academy of Natural Sciences.
Altamalia, Ga. 184. 60. 17. 60. 11. Dr. J. E. Holbrook.
BASCANION. 93
Genus BASCAl^IOIV, Baird & Girakd.
Gen. Char. Body slender, elongated. Tail very long. Head
narrow, deep, long. Eyes very large. Postorbitals 2 ; anterior 2,
upper very large, lower very small, in a notch between the 2d and 3d
labials. Fourth labial produced up behind the eye to meet the lower
postorbital. Loral one ; nasals two. Vertical much elongated and
narrow, concave externally. Dorsal rows of scales 17, all perfectly
smooth, and subhexagonal. Abdominal scutellae 170-200 ; posterior
one divided: subcaudal 90-110, all bifid. Colors black or olive.
Uniform above ; lighter below : skin between the scales black.
Young blotched.
1. Bascauiou constrictor, B. & G. — Vertical diminishing for
half its length, then parallel. Centre of eye over the 4th labial. In the
adult, color lustrous pitch-black, above and beneath greenish black, some-
times tinged with greeaiish white. Chin and throat white. The young are
olive, with rhomboidal dorsal blotches ; beneath greenish white.
Syn. Coluber constrictor, Linn. Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 885. — Gm. Linn. Syst.
Nat. ed. xiii, I, iii, 1788, 1109. — Harl. Journ. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. V,
1827, 348; and Med. & Phys. Res. 1835, 112.— Schl. Ess. Phys. Serp. Part,
descr. 1837, 133. PI. v, figs. 3 & 4.— Stokek, Rep. Rept. Mass. 1839, 225.—
HoLBR. N. Amer. Herp. Ill, 1842, 55. PI. xi.— Thomps. Hist, of Verm.
1842, 117.— Deeat, New York Fauna, Rept. 1842, 35. PI. x, fig. 20.
Hierophis constrictor, Bonap. Fn. Ital. II, 1841. Art. Col. leopard.
Vipera niger, Catesb. Nat. Hist. Carol. II, 1743, 48. Tab. xlviii.
Black Snake, Kalm, Reise N. Amer. II, 1704, 202. — Penn. Arct. Zool.
Suppl. II, 1792, 92.
Vertical plate much longer than broad, pentagonal, anterior margin
convex, the lateral strongly concave, the plate rapidly diminishing
to half its length, thence nearly parallel, terminated by a rather ob-
tuse angle ; a little shorter than the occipitals. Superciliaries large,
rather broad. Rostral rather broad and high, wedged to a slight
extent between the prefrontals. Eye large, its centre before the
middle of the commissure, and over the 4th labial. The lower
94
BASCANION.
anteorbital very small, wedged in between the upper anteorbltal, the
loral, the 3d labial, and the eye. Loral trapezoidal, oblique, mode-
rate. Labials above 7 ; the 1st, 3d, and 5th smaller than the rest,
the 3d and 4th entering into the orbit ; the 4th the only one in con-
tact with the lower postorbital ; 6th and 7th largest. Lower labials
8, the 5th much the largest. Two rows of temporal scales between
the labials and occipitals. Exterior row of dorsal scales very large,
diminishing gradually on the back. Scales very thin, the posterior
angle moderately truncate, so as to give an elongated hexagonal shape
to the exposed portion. Exposed surface of exterior row nearly as
high as long.
Color above uniform lustrous pitch-black, beneath slate-color, some-
times tinged with greenish white. Lower jaw and chin, and some-
times edge of the upper labials white. Specimens from the South
and South-west, as preserved in alcohol, are apt to exhibit an olive-
green tinge, sometimes a dark blue, and occasionally the whole under
surface has a decided greenish white color. In one or two specimens
there is but one anteorbital.
178+1. 93. 17. 40J. 10#. S. F. Baird.
189+1. 95. 17.
184+1. 95. 17.
178+1. 95. 17.
179+1. — 17. 41. —
185+1. 90. 17.
175+1. — 17.
181+1. — 17.
181+1.110.17.
Carlisle, Pa.
((
Anderson, S. C
u
Kemper Co., Miss.
Mississippi.
Prairie Mer
Rouge, La
40i
50.
58.
o/s.
47i.
30.
43 ^
33.
lOf.
12i-.
13.
10.
12}.
6f.
XJ-g.
10.
<(
li
Miss C. Paine.
iC
D. C. Lloyd.
((
'}
183+1. — 17.
281.
CoLB.C.L.Wailes.
Jas. Fairie.
As is usually the case, the young of this species are variegated in
color instead of being uniform. The ground-color is dark olive, with
a succession of darker rhomboidal dorsal blotches from head to tail.
These are about nine scales wide, and four or five long, separated by
lighter intervals, which, narrow along the back, widen of course
rapidly towards the abdomen. The edge of each scale is obsoletely
lighter than the centre, the dark centres in some scales being of such
intensity as to produce the impression of distinct spots, especially on
the sides. Along the vertebral region, the margins of the blotches
are narrowly darker, and those of the intervals lighter than on the
BASCANION. 95
sides. Beneath greenish white, each scutella with from two to four
dark spots on the edges. Top of head yellowish gray, posterior
margins of both pairs of frontals dark chestnut, as are the contiguous
edges of the superciliaries and vertical, and posterior edges of the
superciliaries and occipitals as well as a small blotch on the outer
edge of the superciliaries, and a broad patch in the centre of the oc-
cipitals running up into the vertical. Sides of head white, especially
labials and orbitals ; tinged with bluish behind the eyes, and spotted
with dark brown.
Specimens over 18 inches lose the blotching, and become more and
more uniform, although to a considerable size showing traces of the
spots on the abdominal scutella^.
Carlisle, Pa. 183+1. 91. 17.
" 186+1. 83. 17.
" 183+1. 91. 17.
AnneArundelCo.,Md. 184+1. 94. 17.
Anderson, S. C. 180+1.100.17.
" 177+1. 93. 17.
Cliarleston, S. C. 177+1.105.17.
2. Bascanion FrjBIllOlltii, B. & G. — Black, and similar to B.
constrictor, but stouter. Scales behind the head broader, those on the back,
narrower. Tip only of the lower jaw white.
The single specimen in our possession of this species is too much
mutilated to allow of an accurate diagnosis of its character. By
comparison with a large number of specimens of Bascanion con-
strictor, its distinction is sufficiently evident. For the reasons given,
however, it will be necessary to make the description comparative
with that of B. constrictor. The body is stouter. The scales back
of the head a good deal broader, while those on the back generally
are more elongated and less truncate. The head is larger in all its
dimensions. The color appears to be intense black, tinged with slate
on the belly. Head entirely black, except the end of the lower jaw,
which is white. The specimen was collected in California by Col.
J. C. Fremont, to whom we dedicate the species.
California. 183+1. — 17. 55. 12f. Col. J..C. Fremont.
21.
5}.
S. F. Baird.
15|.
3|-.
n
21.
5}.
li
U\.
3i.
J. H. Clark.
2U.
5f.
Miss C. Paine.
21f.
5f.
a
21i.
5f.
Dr. S. B. Barker.
96 BASCANION.
3. Bascaiiion Foxii, B. & G. — Body and head thicker than B.
constrictor. Tail sliorter. Scales broadei% the two outer rows having their
exposed surface higher than long. No adult procured. Immature speci-
men brownish olive tinged with blue : a series of transverse blotches on the
back. Sides spotted.
This species is, in all probability, the young of one which when
adult is entirely black, and as such confounded with the true B. con-
strictor. Its primary differences, when compared with individuals of
the same size of the latter species, are to be seen in the much greater
thickn.ess of the head and body and shorter tail, this accompanied by
much wider scales on the back and abdomen. The vertical plate is
rather broader behind. There are two lorals, one above the other,
this probably not constant. The labials are higher. The scales are
all broader ; the two exterior rows having their exposed parts higher
than long. The posterior part of the body and tail more truly
cylindrical than on the other species. Color above brownish olive,
tinged with blue on the sides, each scale with a deeper shade of
brown towards the tip. A series of very obsolete darker transverse
blotches along the back. Beneath greenish white, with darker
blotches on the sides of the abdomen. A specimen from Pittsburgh,
Pa., probably belonging to this species, has three postorbitals and a
single loral. It has also 19 dorsal rows, but agrees in all the other
characters.
Grosse Isle, Mich. 183+2. 79. 17. 22. 5. Rev. Chas. Fox.
Pittsburgh, Pa. 177+1. 85. 19. 15. 3i B. A. Fahnestock.
4. Bascanion flaviventris, B. & G.— Above dark olive-green,
beneath yellow. Scattered spots of black on the sides and beneath. Head
across superciliaries narrower than distance from snout to end of occipitals.
Lower postorbital in contact only with the 4th labial.
Syn. Coluber flaviventris, Sat, in Long's Exped. Rock. Mts. II, 1823, 185.
General characteristics of the head as in Bascanion constrictor, the
differences being difficult to express by description. Head narrow,
elongated. Greatest width on superciliaries less than half the length
of plated part of head. The lower anteorbital is included between the
2d and 3d labials, the upper orbital and the eye, only touching the
BASCANION. 97
loral by one corner. Lower postorbital in contact only with the 4th
labial, the 5th scarcely touching it by its corner. The scales are
scarcely as much elongated as in B. constrictor.
Above light olive-green, posteriorly tinged somewhat with reddish.
Beneath bright greenish yellow, rather lighter on the tail, this color
involving the lower half of the labials. The skin between the scales,
but slightly extensible, is black. On the sides the scales are ob-
scurely margined with greenish yellow, and many of them have each
a single spot of black, generally near the tip. The abdominal scu-
telljB are also sparsely spotted in a similar manner. The spots are
sometimes wanting.
A specimen from California differs in having the vertical broader.
Betw.IndianoIa&) -,nn < -t nn -i^ ocia nir-nn i
167+1. 90. 17. So. 10. Col. J. D. Graham.
San Antonio.
«
" 169+1. 95. 17. 29. 7h
California. ■ 188+1. 91. 17. 34. 8J. Dr. W. Gambel.
5. Hascanion l-ellistsss, B. & G.— Stouter than B. fiaviventris.
Breadth of head across superciliaries equal to half the interval between tip
of rostral and jjosterior end of occipitals. Lower postorbital in notch be-
tween the 4th and 5th labials. Olive-brown above, greenish white beneath.
Head broader and s*norter than in B. flaviventris. Vertical rather
shorter, broader behind. Superciliaries and frontals much broader.
Centre of eye scarcely in advance of the centre of commissure. Pro-
file more rounded in front. Above olive, tinged with brown ; be-
neath greenish white, no black dots visible. There appears to be
little if any black in the skin between the scales, although the basal
edges of the scales themselves are slightly tinged.
San Jose, Cat.
171+2. — 17.
34. — Dr.J.L.LeConte
Paget' s Sound.
171+1. 89. 17.
30 J. 8. (ondep.)Expl.Exped
IC
164+2. 90. 17.
19. 5i "
(C
166+3. 79. 17.
29. 7. "
Oregon.
165+1. 17.
28. — «
98 MASTICOPHIS.
-^ V
Genus MASTICOPHIS, Baird & Girard.
Gen. Char. Similar in general features to Bascanwn, but still
more slender and elongated. Tail very long. The head is almost
as deep as broad, and the vertical plate very narrow and long. The
most striking feature of diflFerence is seen in the prolongation upwards
of the 5th posterior labial instead of the 4th, to meet the lower post-
orbital. Superciliaries very broad and projecting, more so in pro-
portion to the vertical than in Bascanion. Rostral quite small.
Eyes very large. Postorbitals 2 ; lower resting on the upward ex-
tension of the 5th labial, not touched by the 6th. Anteorbitals 2 ;
upper very large, lower very small, in a notch between the 3d and
4th labials. One loral and two nasals, with the nostril intermediate.
Scales all very smooth. Dorsal rows 17 or 15. Abdominal scutellae
200-210; posterior divided. Subcaudal 95-150, all divided. Ab-
domen blotched, seldom unicolor. Marking anteriorly and poste-
riorly apt to be different. The true type of this genus is to be seen
in M. ornatus, B. & G.
A. Dorsal rows 17. Tail \ length of body.
1. Masticophis flagelliformis, B. & G. — Color black anteriorly,
lighter posteriorly. Scales, when lighter, with darker margins.
Stn. Anguis fiagelliformis, Catesb. Nat. Hist. Carol. II, 1743: 54. Tab. liv.
Coluber fiagellum, Shaw. Gen. Zol. Ill, 1802. 475.
Coluber flagelliformis, Holbr. N. Amer. Herp. I, 1836, 107. PL xix.
Psammophis flagelliformis, Holbk. N. Amer. Herp. 2d ed. lit, 1842, 11.
PI. ii.
Coach-whip Snake, Bartr. Trav. in Carol., Georgia, and Florida, 1791, 219.
Vertical plate wide in front, rapidly tapering, until at the anterior
third it is less than half as wide as in front, thence the sides are
parallel, acutely pointed behind. Superciliaries very broad, pro-
jecting. Occipitals as long as the vertical. Postfrontals large,
anterior smaller. Eye large, its centre considerably in advance of
MASTICOPHIS. 99
the middle of the commissure, and over the junctioa of the 4th and
5th labials. Upper orbital very large, extending far forwards above,
its upper angle reaching the angle of the vertical. Loral rather
large, higher than long. Nasals moderate. Upper labials 8 ; the
6th subtriangular, and smaller; the 7th and 8 th largest of all, elon-
gated, equal. Lower labials 9, the 5th largest.
Body very slender and attenuated. Dorsal rows of scales 17, all
smooth, elongated, even the exterior row longer than broad.
Color anteriorly, above and on the sides black, this distinct for
one-fourth of the length, fading gradually into brown, which be-
comes lighter and lighter towards the tail. Behind the black portion,
the scales above are brownish yellow at their basal margin, the rest
of the scale more or less mottled with the different shades of brown.
The darkest tint is usually seen near the tip of the scales, this on
the tail forming a distinct margin. Beneath, the color is yellowish
white, on the anterior fifth so much blotched with purplish brown as
to be nearly uniform, posterior to which it disappears almost en-
tirely, being represented only by occasional dashes. The ends of
each scutella, however, on their margins, exhibit the reddish brown
blotches, and are colored much like the sides of the body at that
place. The centres of all the plates beneath and on the sides of the
head are yellow. Anteorbital mostly yellow.
K Carolina. !i02+2. 96. 17. 44. lOJ. Dr. W. J. Burnett.
2. MasticopIllS flavigularls, B. & G.— Light dull yellow, tinged
•with brown above. Beneath, two longitudinal series of blotches distinct an-
teriorly. In alcohol, and especially when the epidermis is removed, the
whole animal appears of a soiled white.
Syn. Psanimophis flavigularis, Hallow. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. VI,
1852, 178.
Size very large. Vertical plate broad before, tapering to the middle,
where it is about half as wide as anteriorly, thence it runs nearly
parallel. Vertical rather shorter than occipitals. Greatest breadth
across superciliaries less than half the length of the portion covered
by plates. Occipitals moderate. Centre of eye considerably an-
terior to the centre of commissure ; over the junction of the 4th and
5th labials. Labials 8 above, increasing in size to the 5th, which is
elongated vertically, the 7th elongate and largest. The 5th forms
part of the inferior and posterior wall of the orbit, as in all the species
of the genus, resting above against the lower postorbital, with which
100 MASTICOPHIS.
the 6th labial is not in contact. Dorsal scales broader than in Bas-
canion constrictor, their sides perfectly straight, slightly truncate,
with the corners rounded. Exterior row largest, rest gradually di-
raiuishing. Scales on the tail widely truncate.
The general color, both above and below, may be described as a
dull straw-yellow, tinged with light olivaceous brown above. This
latter tint exists in the form of a shading on the centres and towards
the tips of the scales, leaving the bases yellowish. The proportion
of brown increases towards the back, and in older specimens some-
times suppresses the yellow. In all instances a darker shade is seen
towards the tip of each scale. The skin between the scales is yel-
lowish. The scutelloe anteriorly exhibit each two rather large brown-
ish blotches, one on each side of the median line, constituting two
rows on the abdomen, which fade out posteriorly. Sometimes the
series are not discernible, the blotches spreading so as to constitute
a dark shade to the margins and exterior edges of the scutellae. The
posterior portions of the plates under, and on the sides of the head,
are similarly blotched ; the same tendency being observable on the
posterior edges of the plates on the top of the head, by the deeper
shade of the olivaceous brown there prevalent. Anteorbitals yellow.
Betw. San Antonio 1 -,f,o,oiAAi- c-'^i'-i n ^ t t\ n i™
^ „ ^ 193+2. 100. 1<. bihi-ii- Col. J. D.Graham.
^' El Paso. )
" 19G+1. 100. 17. 65*. 15J. "
NewBraunfeh,Tex. Yd(S-^'2. 'd-i:. 17. 69^15^. F. Lindheimer.
^„, f Capts. Marcy &
RedRiver.Ark.t 1^1+2.- H. 57J. - | ^^^^^^J
In smaller specimens the blotching beneath is rather more de-
cided. In addition to the colors described, the back is crossed by
indistinct bars of darker, eight or nine scales wide and half a scale
lono-. This color is also seen on the skin between the scales under
the dark bars, where the bases of the scales themselves are darker
instead of light. There is a tendency towards stripes on the side :
first one of light brown, on the outer edge of the abdomen j then an
interrupted yellow one at the junction of the abdominal scutellas and
outer scales ; then brown again through the centres of the rows.
This, however, is not very conspicuous. Sometimes the dark shades
on the sides are tinged with reddish. The obsolete transverse bars
are seen at intervals of one or two scales.
MASTICOPHIS. 101
10. Col.J.D. Graham.
Befw. Indtanola & \ t^^ , o np -it
c A . C 197+2.95. 17.
/San Antonio. )
4U. 10.
Indianola. 194+2. 110. 17.
40. lOi
197+2.110.17.
34f . 9.
A specimen from Fort Webster or Copper Mines shows the stripes
on the sides much more distinctly, running through all the dorsal
rows anteriorly, and crossed by the indistinct bars already referred
to. The contrast between the dark chestnut-brown spots on each
side, and its deeper centre, with the clear yellow of the edges, is very
distinct. Beneath yellow, with the blotches reduced to mere dull
spots.
Santa Rita del Cohre 211+2.101.17. 39^. lOf. Col. J. D. Graham.
3. Maslicopliis inorinon, B. & G. — Head rather short. Vertical
plate with anterior and posterior ends nearly equal, concave between. Pale
yellowish red, tinged with gray anterioi-ly. A series of transverse blotches
across the back.
Syn. Coluber mormon, B. & G. Reptiles in Stansbury's Expl. of Valley of
Great Salt Lake, 1852, 351.
The only specimen of this species in our possession is immature.
Although belonging to a different genus, it is somewhat similar to the
young of B. constrictor, though lighter. The occipitals and commis-
sure of the mouth are, however, much shorter, the vertical and oc-
cipital neai'ly equal in length. Vertical, with the sides concave ;
dimensions anteriorly and posteriorly nearly equal. Scales not quite
so broad as in Bascanion Foxii, though broader than in B. con-
strictor, especially on the anterior row. Above pale yellowish red,
more grayish anteriorly. A series of transverse blotches from head
to tail, as in Bascanion constrictor, though rather less distinct. Be-
neath yellowish, unspotted except on the outer edges. Stouter in
its dimensions than the young of Bascanion constrictor.
Owing to the immaturity of the specimen, we have felt in doubt
whether it should be referred to Bascanion or to Masticoplds. The
fact of the 5th labial being in contact with the lower postorbital has
rather decided us in favor of the latter.
Great SaULake, Utah. 178+1. 100. 17. 13|-. 3 J. Capt.H.Stansbury.
102 MASTICOPinS.
B. Dorsal rows 15. Tail about J the total length.
4. Mastlcopllis omatMS, B. & G.— Excessively elongated. Above
yerj deep purple, brighter on tlie sides. Beneath mottled. A yellow stripe
on each side of the abdomen, and two pairs of short yellow stripes, one be-
hind the other, on the anterior part of the body, and in the 4th dorsal rows.
In this form the peculiar characters are carried to their maximum
of development, and the species should be considered as the true
type of the genus. The head is narrow, much elongated, and rather
depressed ; being considerably less arched than in 31 flagelliformis.
The vertical is very much elongated, a little shorter than the oc-
cipital. The muzzle is rather broad anteriorly, owing to the greater
than usual development of the anterior frontals. The centre of the
eye is considerably in advance of the commissural line, and behind
the junction of the fourth and fifth labial. The upper ante-
orbital is very large, the lower still smaller than in the other species ;
in one specimen it is wanting. The sixth labial scarcely touches the
postorbital ; in one specimen being separated by a small plate. The
loral is elongated, lower than in M. flagelliformis. Labials 8 above,
penultimate largest; 9 or 10 below, the fifth largest. Rostral broader
than high, the reverse being the case in M. flagelliformis. Dorsal
rows of scales 15. The scales are broad, very large, thin, and per-
fectly smooth. The edges are nearly straight, tip truncated and
rounded off. They are decidedly broader than in M. flagelliformis.
General color above dark purple, becoming almost black towards
the back, brighter on the sides. The colors are deeper towards the
head. Skin between the scales dark. Beneath yellowish, blotched
with black. Anteriorly the blotches are in the form of two quite
contiguous rows of broad mottled spots, which become broken pos-
teriorly, and overspread the abdomen. Anteriorly these are dark
brown, posteriorly they are lighter, and tinged with red. The tail
is immaculated, reddish white. A distinct yellow line is seen along
the outer edge of the scutellae involving the lower edge of the ex-
terior row of scales, and through the five exterior rows of purplish
scales run stripes of darker ; the bases of the scales being yellow.
A very striking mark is to be seen in two pairs of short yellow stripes
on each side, one pair commencing opposite to the 10th scutella, and
running back about six scales; the second about opposite the 29th
scutella, and running back about 10 or 12 scales. The mark is on
MASTICOPHIS. 103
the fourth row and adjacent edges of the 3d and 5th. It is not
entirely yellow, but has a light reddish stripe through its centre.
There are faint indications of a repetition of these marks of similar
character farther behind, but the specimens do not show them
distinctly.
Betw.IndJanola j ^^3 2. 149. 15. 65^. 22. Col. J. D. Graham.
& LI Faso. )
" 204+2. 152. 15. 65. 22. «
5. 3IastiCopIiis tseiiiafus, B. & G. — Abroad brown dorsal stripe
margined by a darker line. The four outer rows of scales on each side
yellow, with a dark line through the centre of each. A dark line along the
edge of the abdomen, making six dark lines on each side. Beneath yellowish.
Stn. Leptophis txniata, Hallow. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. VI, 1852,
181.
Owing to the mutilation of the head of the single specimen in our
possession, it is impossible to describe this with any degree of accu-
racy ; in its general relations, however, it has the plates much as in
the preceding species.
A longitudinal dorsal band, six and two half-scales wide, olive-
brown, each scale with a rather deeper spot in the centre; the four
and a half scales on *each side of this band yellow, each row with
a narrow brown stripe through its centre, fading out in the tail.
There are thus five dark stripes on each side, the fifth above margin-
ing the dorsal band. Of these stripes, the 1st and 3d are narrow,
each showing a stripe of yellow of the same size on each side of it;
the 2d and 3d are closer to each other and broader. Beneath yel-
lowish, with a distinct dark stripe on each side, just within the external
row of dorsal scales. The scutellse otherwise immaculated, except a
few scattered dots towards the head, exhibiting a tendency to ar-
rangement in two rows. Extreme bases of all the scales black.
California. 209+2. 157. 15. 48 i. 14. Dr. W. Gambel.
104 SALVADOR A.
Genus SAIiVADORA, Baird & Girard,
Gen. Char. Head elliptical, detached from the body by a con-
tracted neck. Snout protruding. Cephalic plates normal. Edges
of rostral free. Two nasals. One loral. Two, occasionally three
anteorbitals and two postorbitals. Temporal shields small, scalelike.
Eyes quite large. Two pairs of mental scutellae. Tail slender.
Body covered with smooth scales. Postabdominal scutella bifid.
Subcaudal all bifid. Color diversified, in longitudinal bands.
Salvadora, GraJiamlae, B. & G. — A dorsal ochraceous band or
vitta, on each side of wbich a black one of the same -width. Flanks yellow-
ish green. Abdomen uniform dull yellow. Dorsal scales in 17 rows.
Head conical, rostral plate very prominent, with edges free, ap-
pearing as if fastened on the outside of the snout after all the others
had taken their place. Prefrontals proportionally large, forming the
upper edge of the nostrils, and widely separated, for the two anterior
thirds of their length, by the rostral. Postfrontals but slightly
larger than the prefrontals, like the latter, subrouuded, longitudi-
nally narrow, transversely elongated, and produced slightly between
the postnasal and the loral, on the sides of the head. Vertical sub-
pentagonal, much elongated, tapering posteriorly without being
pointed. Occipitals elongated, posteriorly truncated, sides rounded.
Prenasal larger, subtrapezoidal ; postnasal subquadrangular ; nostril
situated at the antero-posterior angle of the postnasal. Loral sub-
triaugular, base in an horizontal line with the head ; apex upwards
produced between the postfrontal and the upper anteorbital. Upper
anteorbital large, angular, produced to the upper surface of the head
between the superciliaries and postfrontals. Inferior anteorbitals
small and quadrangular, lowest situated on the commissure between
the 4th and 5th labials. Postorbitals angular, equal in size. Two
pretemporals, shields somewhat larger than rest, which are scarcely
larger than the scales. Mouth deeply cleft, undulating. Upper
SALVADOR A. 105
labials 9 ; lib. largest, the 4 anterior ones comparatively small.
Lower labials not conspicuous, 10 in number, 5tli largest, the three
posterior ones scarcely to be distinguished from the scales. Posterior
pair of mental scutellse much smaller than the anterior, extending to
the middle of the fifth inferior labial.
Body subcylindrical, elongated, tail subconical, tapering, forming
about the i of the total length. Scales elliptical, disposed in 17
rows ; outer row somewhat broader, the rest slightly diminishing to-
wards the dorsal region.
Surface of head brown. An ochraceous vitta extends from the
occiput to near the end of the tail, embracing anteriorly three rows
of scales, and posteriorly one row, and two adjoining halves to oppo-
site the anus; on the tail it covers two half scales. On each side of
this a black vitta runs parallel, and covers the same number of scales
anteriorly and posteriorly, except on the tail, where it is narrower,
and embraces only half a scale. The antero-inferior margin of the
scales in the black vitta is yellowish green. The remaining portion
of the flanks, embracing four rows of scales, and the extremities of
the scutellse, is uniform yellowish green, with the bases of the scales
blackish, as is also the skin. The abdomen is uniform dull yellow.
Sonora,Mex. 180+1.97.17. 28 J. 7 J. Col. J. D. Graham.
106 LEPTOPHIS.
Genus liEPTOPHIS, Bell.
Gen. Char. Head conical, very much swollen on the temporal
region, separated from the body by a very small neck, and tapering
considerably on the snout, which is protruding. Cephalic plates
normal. One nasal plate. One loral. One anteorbital and two
postorbitals. Eyes large. Cleft of mouth deep and curved. Tail
slender and very long, forming more than J of the total length.
Scales in 17 rows, carinated, except the first and second rows, which
are smooth. Postabdominal scutellse bifid. Subcaudal all bifid.
Unicolor.
Syn. LeptopMs, Bell, in Zool. Journ. II, 1826, 328.
1. Ijeptopliis aestivus, Holbr. — Body reddish green above; yel-
lowisli Tvbite beneatli. Dorsal scales in 17 rows.
Stn. Coluber sesHvus, Linn. Syst. Nat. 1, 1766, 387. — Gm. Linn. Syst. Nat.
ed. xiii, I, iii, 1788, 1114.— Harl. Journ. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. V, 1827,
857 ; and Med. & Phys. Kes. 1835, 121.
Leptophia xsiivus, Bell, Zool. Journ. II, 1826, 329. — Holbk. N. Amer.
Herp. Ill, 1842, 17. PI. iii.
Angiiis viridis, Catesb. Nat. Hist. Carol. II, 1743, 57. PI. Ivii.
Green Snake, Bartr. Trav. in Carol., Geo. and Flo., 1791, 16.
Head regularly ovoidal. Vertical plate elongated, subpentagonal,
diminishing posteriorly, though not acute. Occipitals elongated,
tapering posteriorly, and subtruncated. Frontals subrounded ; pre-
frontals smaller than postfrontals by about one-fourth. Rostral
rounded, broader than high. Nostril in the middle of the nasal.
Loral subtrapezoidal. Anteorbital angular, much broader above
than below. Postorbitals subangular, lower one the smallest. Su-
perciliary well developed, irregularly oblong. A large pretemporal
shield, and three or four smaller ones. Upper labials 7 ; 0th slightly
the largest. Lower labials 8 ; 5fch the largest. Posterior mental
scutellae slender and elongated, extending beyond the 5th lower labial.
LEPTOPHIS.
107
Scales subelllptically elongated, strongly carinated except the outer
row, which is perfectly smooth, and the 2d row, which is but slightly
carinated. These two external rows are broader than the rest, espe-
cially the outermost.
Anderson, S. G.
i(
Kemper Co., Miss,
a
Virginia.
Anne Ar. Co., Md.
157+1. 130. 17.
154+1. 134. 17.
154+1. 128. 17.
154+1. 129. 17.
154+1. 126. 17.
155+1. 135. 17.
25i Of.
24. 9f.
27f . lOi.
25. 10.
33i. 8i.
21f. 8J.
Miss C Paine,
a
D. C. Lloyd.
i(
J. H. Clark.
2. L<eptophis niajalis, B. & G.— Reddish green above, yellowish
■white beneath. Body proportionally stouter and tail shorter than in L.
celii'us. Snout and whole head, including vertical, longer than in latter
species. Dorsal scales in 17 rows.
Head more pointed, broader on the temporal region, and more
tapering on the snout than in L. cestivns. Vertical plate subhexa-
gonal, broader, and postfrontals proportionally larger in comparison
with the prefrontals, than in L. asfivus. Occipitals maintaining
more their width posteriorly, obtuse-angled behind. Nasal more
elongated ; loral smaller;, and longer than high. Two large temporal
shields and a few small ones behind. Scales strongly carinated, ex-
cept the outer row which is perfectly smooth, and the second row,
which is but slightly carinated. The scales of both of these rows
are broader than the rest.
Indianola, Tex.
163+1. 111. 17.
156+1. 113. 17,
Red River, Arh. 163+1. 111. 17. 28i 9f
NewBraunfds,Tex. 154+1. 115. 17.
29|. 10. Col. J. D. Graham.
28 -i lOi. "
j Capts. Marcy&
1 McClellan.
23|. 8f. F. Lindheimer.
108 CHLOROSOMA.
Genus CIIIiOROSOlTIA, Wagl.
Gen. Char. Head elongated, ovoidal, separated from the body
by a slender neck. Snout protruding. Cephalic plates normal. One
nasal plate, with the nostril in the centre. One loral. One ante-
orbital; two postorbitals. Eyes very large. Mouth deeply cleft.
Tail slender, between J and I of total length. Scales all perfectly
smooth. Postabdominal scutella bifid. Subcaudal all bifid. Uni-
color.
Syn. Chlorosoma, Wagl. Nat. Syst. der Amph. 1830, 185.
Clllorosoma vernalls, B. & G.— TJniform green, darker above,
lighter beneath. Dorsal scales in 15 rows.
Syn. Coluber vernalis, Dekat, Mss. — Harl. Journ. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad.
y, 1827, 361 ; and Med. & Phys. Res. 1835, 124.— Storee, Rep. Rept. Mass.
1839, 224.— HoLBR. N. Amer. Herp. Ill, 1842, 79. PI. xvii.— Dekay, N.
York Fauna. Rept. 1842, 40. PI. xi, fig. 22.— Thomps. Hist, of Verm.
1842, 117.
Green Snake.
Head proportionally long, ovoidal, slightly swollen on the tem-
poral region. Snout rounded and projecting considerably over the
lower jaw. The rostral plate shows but little from above. Outlines
of frontals rounded, prefrontals proportionally large, and more than
half the size of the postfrontals. Vertical hexagonal, elongated,
posteriorly more tapering than anteriorly; sides slightly concave.
Occipitals large, subangular. Superciliaries quite large, broader pos-
teriorly than anteriorly. Postorbitals two, subquadrangular ; lower
one resting on the commissure of the 4th and 5th upper labials.
Anteorbital angular above, rounded below, with anterior margin con-
vex. Loral angular, longer than high, and proportionally well de-
veloped. Nasal elliptically elongated, with nostril in the middle.
Three temporal shields, well developed ; anterior one elongated,
largest. Cleft of mouth curved or undulated. Upper labials 7;
CHLOROSOMA.
109
4th largest; 5th and 6th nearly equal to the 4th; 3d and 4th be-
neath the eye, forming the inferior part of the orbit. Lower labials
8 ; 5th largest ; the three anterior and three posterior ones quite
small. Posterior pair of mental scutelloe longer and slenderer than
the anterior pair, extending much beyond the 5th lower labial.
Body elongated, subcylindrical, a little deeper than broad, covered
with smooth subhexagonal or subelliptical scales, constituting 15
longitudinal rows, the outer row broader than the rest, which di-
minish towards the middle line of the back. The tail is very much
tapering, pointed, and forming about J or :^ of the total length.
Dark green above, lighter on the flanks; yellowish white beneath.
138+1. 79. 15.
137+1. 74. 15.
132+1. 94. 15.
— — 15.
— — 15.
130+2. 92. 15.
130+1. — 15.
128+1. 85. 15.
— — 15.
— — 15.
138+1. 79. 15.
— — 15.
? Mississippi. 138+1. 69. 15.
Westport,N. Y. 9
a
li
Lebanon S}').,^. Y.
u
Carlisle, Pa.
a
Racine, Wise.
Portland, Me.
a
Camhridge, Mass.
18. bh
S. F. Baird.
17. 5.
u
17J. 6i.
((
15. 5i.
Wm. B. Parker.
15. 6.
({
181. 61.
S. F. Baird.
Hi. 4.
(I
12i. 4i.
Dr. P. K. Hoy.
19 J. 5 J.
Prof. Caldwell.
18. 5J.
((
18|. 5J.
J. H. Eichard.
6|.li.
C. Girard.
20*.
Dr. B. F. Shumard.
110 CONTIA.
Genus C0]¥TIA, Baird & Girard.
Gen. Char. Head ovoidal, and with the body much depressed,
rather short, with the snout truncated. Cephalic plates normal.
One nasal. Nostril in its middle. One loral. One anterior and
one postorbital. Eye small. Mouth moderately cleft. Scales smooth.
Postabdominal scutella bifid. Subcaudal all divided.
Contia, mitis, B. & G. — Deep chestnut-brown above, with two longi-
tudinal light bands, one on each side of the back, below which is a series of
black dots. Scales minutely dotted with black. Anterior half of the scu-
tellse black ; posterior half light yellow. Dorsal scales in 15 rows.
Head almost as deep as the body, snout protruding over the lower
jaw, and obliquely truncated. Vertical plate hexagonal, sides
nearly parallel, posteriorly very acute. Occipitals elongated, trun-
cated posteriorly, slightly convex exteriorly. Postfrontals large
and angular. Prefrontals subangular, much smaller. Rostral well
developed, broad, but slightly produced between the prefrontals.
Nasal quadrangular, longer than high, with nostril in the middle, a
little nearer the anterior than posterior edge of the plate. Loral
elongated and quadrangular, situated above the 2d labial. Ante-
orbital angular and elevated, situated above the 3d labial. Post-
orbital angular, larger than the anteorbital, situated above the
commissure between the 4th and 5th labials. Superciliaries propor-
tionally small and oblong. A large and angular elongated temporal
shield. Upper labials 7; anterior and posterior ones smaller; 3d
and 4th beneath the eye; lower labials 7, 4th largest. Posterior
pair of mental scutellas very small. Two scutellae on each side,
along the 5th, 6th, and 7th infralabials.
Body slender, subcylindrical, broader than deep. Scales propor-
tionally large, subelliptical, posteriorly rounded or subtruncated.
Those of the exterior row conspicuously broader. Tail short, coni-
cal, and tapering.
CONTIA. Ill
The lighter bands of the back cover the 4th exterior row of dorsal
scales; the series of black dots is immediately beneath on the 3d row
of scales. Tip of scales of exterior row black. Head above black-
ish brown, beneath mottled with black, on a yellowish green ground, "a^ w» v ^
The abdomen is regularly and transversely barred with black and
light yellow.
San Jose, Cal. 167+1.31.15. 12|. 1/g. Dr. John L. Leconte.
California. — — — 4. |. (on dep.) Expl. Exped.
Oregon. 154+1.35.15. 8. l/g. Dr.AveryJ.Skilton.
112 DIADOPHIS.
' ^-§tif StTtfturr 1".'' Genus DIADOPHIS, Baird & Gtirard.
Gen. Char. Head subelliptical, elougated, depressed, distinct
from the body. Cephalic plates normal. Two postorbitals, and two
anteorbitals. A well-developed loral. Two nasals ; nostril between.
Eyes large. Mouth deeply cleft. Body slender, subcylindrical ;
tail tapering. Scales smooth, disposed in 15 or 17 rows. Postab-
dominal scutella bifid. Subcaudal all divided. Unicolor above, and
generally with a light ring on the occipital region. Abdomen lighter,
unicolor, or punctate.
A. An occipital ring. Eye above the Mi and bth upper lahials.
Dorsal scales in 15 roios.
1. DiadoplliS piuictatus, B. & G.— A yellowish white occipital
ring. Body bluish black above ; yellowish orange beneath, with a medial
series of spots, sometimes absent. Tail beneath unicolor. Dorsal scales in
15 rows.
Syn. Coluber punctatiis, Linn. Syst. Nat. I, 1776, 376. — Gji. Linn. Syst.
Nat. ed. xiii, I, iii, 1788^ 1089.— Harl. Journ. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. V",
1827, 354; and Med. & Phys. Res. 1835, 117.— Storer, Rep. Rept. Mass.
1839, 225.— HoLBR. N. Amer. Herp. 2d ed. Ill, 1842, 81. PI. xviii.
Spiletes punctatus, Swains. Nat. Hist, of Fish. Amph. & Rept. II, 1839, 364.
Calamaria punctata, Sohl. Ess. Phys. Serp. Part, descr. 1837, 39.
Ring-necked Snake.
Head very much depressed, flattened above ; snout rounded, and
overlapping the lower jaw. Vertical plate subpentagonal, tapering
backwards, posteriorly acute. Occipitals large, elongated, subangu-
lar. Prefrontals irregularly rounded, posterior pair twice the size of
the anterior. Rostral broad, but low. Nasal plates large, nostril
intermediate. Loral quadrilateral. Two anteorbitals, inferior one
narrow and the smaller. Superciliary well developed, broader pos-
teriorly than anteriorly. Two postorbitals, inferior one very small,
situated above the junction of the 5th and 6th upper labials. Tem-
poral shields conspicuous, anterior one larger and elongated. Upper
DIADOPHIS.
113
labials 8 ; 7tli the largest, 4th and 5th forming the lower part of
the orbit. Lower labials 8 ; 5th the largest. Two pairs of mental
scutellac, extremity of the posterior pair extending beyond the 5th
lower labial.
Body slender, subcylindrical ; tail tapering. Scales subelliptical ;
outer row but slightly larger. Occipital ring of the width of two
scales, sometimes narrower. Upper labials yellowish, like the lower
jaw and inferior surface of head and abdomen. A series of dark sub-
triangular spots along the lateral margins of the scutellas, and in con-
tact with the dark color of the flanks. Abdomen either unicolor or
provided with series of similar dark spots along its middle region, from
the anterior third of the body to near the anus. The spots some-
times elongate transversely in the shape of bars across the abdomen.
Carlisle, Pa.
148+1. 53. 15.
131
3.
S. F. Baird.
11
158+1. 50. 15.
13.
21.
((
i(
158+1. 52. 15.
14.
3.
ti
(I
148+1. 44. 15.
lU
2*.
u
Foxhurg, Pa.
161+1. 56. 15.
14i.
H-
u
PUtshurgli, Pa.
159+1. 50. 15.
151.
3*.
(t
French Creek, Pa.
157+2. 36. 15.
13i.
2i.
u
Lelanon Sp.,N.Y.
— — 15.
5.
u.
W
m. B. Parker.
Georgia.
-141+1.48. 15.
lOi.
21.
Maj. J. Le Conte.
Ricehoro, Ga.
M5+1. 36. 15.
10.
1|.
Dr.
W. L. Jones.
A specimen from Anderson, S. C, exhibits a somewhat slenderer
head, and a narrower and more elongated vertical plate.
A7iderso7i, S. C. 155+1. 44. 15. 14J. 2i Miss C Paine.
Another very young specimen from Mississippi has a shorter head,
and a vertical plate proportionally much broader and shorter.
Mississippi. — — 15. 5. H. Dr. B. F. Shumard.
B. An occipital ring. Eye above the M and ith labials.
sal scales in 15 rows.
Dor-
2. Diadopbis amabilis, B. & G.— Body above deep blackish
brown ; beneath yellowish white, with crowded small black spots. Occipital
ring narrow. Dorsal scales in 15 rows.
Head, body, and tail very slender; head flattened above; body
subcylindrical; tail subconical and tapering into a point. Vertical
114 DIADOPHIS.
plate subpentagonal, less tapering posteriorly than in D. punctatus,
and subacute. Occipitals narrow and elongated. Frontals as in D.
jmncfafus. Superciliaries narrower, and nearly of the same width
throughout their length. Upper labials 7 ; 6th largest. Lower
labials 8 ; 5th largest. Scales rather short, subelliptical, consider-
ably larger on the sides than on the back, especially the outer row.
Color of the abdomen extending to the outer row of scales, the pos-
terior portion of which alone is black. Numerous small spots are
scattered all over the lower part of the body, from the head to near
the end of the tail. The upper surface and sides of head, as well as
the labials of both jaws and chin, are blackish brown. The abdomen,
in life, is in all probabilities purplish, judging of it from traces of
that color left beneath the tail of one of the specimens preserved in
alcohol.
San Jose, Cal. 182+1. 59. 15. 12i 2 /g. Dr. J. L. Leconte.
« — '— 15. 9^ 2. "
3. DiadoplliS tlocilis, B. & G. — Body above uniform ash-gray;
yellowish white heneath, spotted with black. A proportionally broad yel-
lowish white occipital ring, margined with a narrow black line. Dorsal
scales in 15 rows.
Head narrower than in D. amabills. Vertical plate subpentago-
nal, elongated, sides nearly parallel to the point where it enters be-
tween the occipitals. Prefrontals and eyes proportionally much
smaller than in D. amahiUs. Body very slender, covered with pro-
portionally large scales. Head above blackish brown. Upper labials
and head beneath yellowish, mottled with black. Occipital ring yel-
lowish white, covering the length of three scales. The anterior black
margin passes to the black spots along the labials. Small black spots
are irregularly scattered all over the abdomen ; they form one series
on each side, along the exterior and posterior margin of the scutellte,
to the tip of the tail. All the scales are uniform ash-gray, but when
examined closely they appear punctured with minute black dots.
The bases of the scales are black when stretched apart. The tail
beneath is almost unicolor, exhibiting but very few dots.
R. San Pedro of "
R. Grande, or \ 193+1.57.15. llf 2^. Col. J. D. Graham.
Devil's River.
DIADOPHIS. 115
4. Diadopliis pulcliellus, B. & G. — Body above greenish brown,
the scales minutely dotted with black. Beneath deep orange-red, with small
black spots irregularly scattered all over, from head to near the end of tail.
Occipital ring broad, margined anteriorly and posteriorly with a narrow
black line. Dorsal scales in 15 rows.
Head small, body proportionally long and subcylindrical ; tail
conical, and very much tapering. The vertical plate is subpentago-
nal, and still less tapering, and less acute than in the preceding
species. Superciliaries as in D. amahilis. Scales subelliptical,
elongated. Outer rows larger than the rest, which diminish towards
the dorsal line. The bright color of the abdomen extends to the two
external rows of scales, which are unicolor, the spots of the abdomen
scarcely passing beyond the scutellas, although a series of very small
spots may be followed along the upper edge of the 2d dorsal rows of
scales close to the color of the back. The upper labial and lower
jaw are yellowish white. ■'
El Dorado Co., Cal. 203+1. 60. 15. 14|. 2|. Dr. C. C. Boyle.
C. No occipital ring. Eye above the ^d and Ath labials. Dorsal
scales in 17 rows. *
5. Diadopllis regalis, B. & G.— Body above uniform greenish ash;
beneath light yellow, scattered all over with small black spots. No oc-
cipital ring. Dorsal scales in 17 rows.
Head proportionally short and broad behind ; head less depressed
than in the preceding species, though flattened above ; snout rounded.
Eyes very small. Vertical plate subpentagonal, tapering posteriorly.
Superciliaries narrower anteriorly. Body long and subcylindrical.
Scales proportionally large and elongated, in 17 rows ; those of the
outer row conspicuously broader. The upper and lower jaws and
inferior surface of head maculated with black, on a light ground.
Color of the abdomen extending to the outer row of scales, which are
dotted with black posteriorly. The black spots on the abdomen ex-
tend considerably beyond the anus.
Sonora,Mex. 237+1.58.17. 22f. 3i. Col. J. D. Graham.
116 LODIA.
Genus liODIA, Baird & Girard.
Gen. Char. Head ovoidal, distinct from the body. Two vertical
plates ; a small anterior one being situated between the postfrontals
immediately in advance of the vertical proper. Two nasals. Loral
entering into the orbit ; above it one anteorbital. Postorbitals two.
Superciliaries elongated and well developed. Mental scutellae one
pair. Eyes proportionally large, circular. Scales smooth. Pos.t-
abdominal scutella bifid. Subcaudal, all in pairs.
LiOdia. tenuis^ B. & G. — Body dull brown above, bluish on the sides,
with a longitudinal lighter stripe on each flank. Abdomen lighter ; bases
of scutellae bluish. Tail beneath unicolor, with an external series of bluish
spots. Dorsal scales in 15 rows.
Stn. Calamaria tenuis, B. & G. Proc. Acad. Nat. So. Philad. VI, 1852, 176.
Vertical plate hexagonal, as broad anteriorly as posteriorly. An-
terior vertical ovoidal or subelliptical, intermediate between the post-
frontals, which are angular and extend to the sides of the head.
Prefrontals sub triangular, about half the size of postfrontals. Rostral
broad and well developed. Occipitals subangular externally, propor-
tionally large and elongated. Nasals large, nostrils in the middle,
between both plates. Loral large, polygonal, elongated, situated
above the commissure of the 2d and 3d upper labials, entering into
the orbit as an inferior anteorbital. A quadrangular superior ante-
orbital, enclosed between the postfrontal, superciliary, and loral. Two
angular postorbitals, inferior one resting on the commissure of
the 4th and 5th labials. Superciliaries oblong. Temporal shields
conspicuous, anterior one elongated and largest. Mouth deeply
cleft. Upper labials 6 ; the three posterior ones a little larger than
the three anterior. Lower labials 6 ; 4th largest. Mental sfcutellae
one pair. Body slender, subcylindrical ; tail short, conical, and
tapering. Scales proportionally large, rhomboidal, smooth, forming
15 dorsal rows; outer row but slightly broader than the rest.
Pugct Sound, Or. 150 + 1. 33. 15. 81-. l\. (on dep.) Espl. Exped.
SONORA. 117
Genus S O ]\ O R A, Baird & Girard.
Gen. Char. Head continuous with the body, very much nar-
rower on the snout. Cephalic plates normal. Vertical plate narrow
anteriorly. Superciliaries proportionally large. One loral. One
anteorbital and three postorbitals. Two nasals. Eyes proportionally
large. Scales smooth. Postabdominal scutella bifid. Subcaudal,
divided.
Sonora semiannulata, B. & G. — Body above annulated with jet
black ; tail completely annulated ; intermediate space wider, orange-red on
the dorsal region, greenish on the sides, with bases of scales blackish. Dor-
sal scales in 15 rows.
Snout subquadrangular, elongated. Vertical plate widening pos-
teriorly to the occipitals. Occipitals elongated, margin irregular.
Postfrontals angular, not reaching the orbit. Prefrontals trapezoidal,
two-thirds of the size of the postfrontals. Rostral very much de-
veloped. Nostrils in the middle, between the two nasals. Loral
elongated, horizontal, angular. Eyes circular. Superciliaries angu-
lar, lozenge-shaped. iVnteorbital one, subcrescentic, narrow, resting
on the third upper labial. Postorbitals three, angular, upper one
largest, produced between the superciliaries and occipitals, and touch-
ing slightly the vertical. Three temporal shields, anterior one
largest, and angular. Mouth deeply cleft, undulated. Upper labials
7 ; nearly equal in size ; first and last smallest. Inferior labials 8 ;
4th largest. Body subcylindrical, covered with smooth scales, pro-
portionally broad, and forming 15 rows, outer row but slightly
broader. Tail tapering to a point.
Body above crossed with transverse jet-black bars, 25 from head
to anus, extending between and involving the exterior rows, becom-
ing narrower on the flanks : along the back 3 to 4 scales long.
Space between the bars above orange-red, one scale wider than the
black bars ; on the sides greenish, with the base of the scales black-
ish. On the tail 6 black rings, continuous all around, covering 2 to 3
scales ; intermediate space red-orange, 4 or 5 scales wide. Beneath uni-
form dull green, the black bars of the body not touching the scutellas.
Sonora, Hex. 149-f 1. 39. 15. 9 J. If. Col. J. D. Graham.
118 RHINOSTOMA.
Genus R HIM OS TOM A, Fitz.
Gen. Char. Head small, subcorneal, pointed, continuous with
the body. Rostral large, prominent. Two pairs of frontal plates.
Vertical cordiform. One nasal; nostril in the middle. One loral.
One anterior and two postorbitals. Superciliaries very small. Eyes
small, over the 3d upper labial. Mouth small. Scales smooth, in
19 rows. Postabdominal scutella entire. Subcaudal scutellaj bifid.
Syn. Rhinostoma, Fitz. N. Class. Kept. 1826, 29.
RllillO!>>toE£ia, COCCinea, Holbr.— Body yellowish red (said to be
crimson iu life), crossed by pairs of black rings, enclosing each a yellow
one.
Stn. Coluber coccineus, Blum, in Licht. and Voigi, Magaz. V, 1788. PI. v.
— Gm. Linn. Syst. Nat. ed. xiii, I, iii, 1788, 1097.— Harl. Journ. Acad. Nat.
Sc. Philad. V, 1827, 356; and Med. & Phys. Res. 1835, 119.
HeUrodon coccineus, Schl. Ess. Phys. Serp. Part, descr. 1837, 102. PI.
iii, figs. 15 and 16.
Rhinostoma coccinea, Holbr. N. Amer. Herp. Ill, 1842, 125. PI. xxx.
Scarlet Snake.
•
Body slender, cylindrical, tense, and rigid. Dorsal scales rhom-
boidal, rather elongated. Vertical plate very large, cordiform or sub-
hexagonal, almost as broad anteriorly as long; obtuse angled before,
acute angled behind ; the two outer sides short, parallel. Occipitals
large, a little longer than the vertical. Postfrontals large ; prefrontals
much smaller. Rostral projecting forwards, acute, causing the snout
to be pointed, not recurved nor compressed into a ridge as in Heterodon.
Eye small, its centre over the 3d labial, and over the middle of the
commissure. Postorbitals two ; anteorbital one. The superciliaries
are very small and narrow, in one specimen looking like an upper
postorbital. One line of temporal shields. Loral small. One
nasal; nostril situated in its centre, with a rounded groove to the
lower edge, sometimes to the upper, apparently separating two nasals.
Upper labials 6, the 3d constituting the greater portion of the orbit
RHINOSTOMA. 110
below, with the lower postorbital resting upon it : all the labials
nearly equal in size; 4th and 5th largest. Lower labials 8, 5th
largest. »
The back and sides are embraced by about 20 elongated longitu-
dinal black rings (the 16th opposite the anus), their anterior and
posterior sides on the dorsal line, their lateral resting on the outer
dorsal row. Across the back the black is well defined and continu-
ous, about two scales long ; on the sides, however (from the 1st to
the 3d rows), the black is interrupted more or less, sometimes re-
duced to a few scattered scales. The intervals between the succes-
sive rings are yellow, with the centres of the scales dusky (they
sometimes have only a narrow margin of yellowish), and on the sides
may be seen a distinct rhomboidal black spot opposite each dorsal
light interval. This is sometimes broken up, and confused with the
black of the rings on the sides. The large spaces enclosed by the
rings themselves are yellowish red (said to be crimson in life), six
to nine scales long, and about thirteen wide : they are variable in
length, being larger at about the anterior third than elsewhere.
Beneath uniform yellowish white. The first ring crosses just behind
the occipital plates, and in front of it is a narrow black band crossing
the middle of the occipitals, from one angle of the mouth to the
other, sometimes connected with the first ring by a narrow black
line. Rest of the head yellowish. Another specimen has 26 rings,
the 20th opposite the anus.
Anderson, S. C. 169. 35. 19. 17i 2. Miss C Paine.
Ricehoro, Ga. 166. 45. 19. 18i. 2|. Dr. W. L. Jones.
Mississippi. — — — Dr. B. F. Shumard.
A specimen from Prairie Mer Rouge has the whole lower wall of
the orbit constituted by the 3d labial, with both anterior and pos-
terior orbitals resting upon it. The vertical is more elongated.
The anterior dorsal ring, instead of being continuous, is divided an-
teriorly, and the ends, after approximating, are bent back on the oc-
cipitals, and extend to the eye. The snout, too, seems rather more
pointed.
Prairie 3Ier Rouge, La. 166. 36. 19. 13|. 2i. Jas. Fairie.
120 RHINOCHEILUS.
Genus ROHVOCHEILUS, Baird & Girakd.
Gen. Char, Head subelliptical, pointed on the snout, and sepa-
rated from the body by a contracted neck. Rostral plate large, but
not prominent above. Two pairs of frontal plates. Vertical hex-
agonal. Two nasals; nostrils intermediate. One loral. One an-
terior and two postorbitals. Superciliaries large. Eyes also large,
over the 4th and 5th upper labial. Mouth large. Scales smooth, in
23 rows. Postabdominal scutella entire. Subcaudal scutellse all un-
divided.
RblnocbeilUS L.eCOntei, B. & G. — A dorsal series of quadrate
black blotches, with the intermediate spaces of the same size, and pale
red. Flanks variegated with yellowish and black; beneath lighter,
unicolor.
Head distinct from the body ; broad behind, nearly flat above.
Vertical plate hexagonal, elongated, largest anteriorly, the lateral
edges tapering, and constituting the longest sides of the figure.
Superciliaries quite large. Occipitals subangular, proportionally
small. Prefrontals large compared to the postfrontals. Rostral
prominent forwards, rounded beneath, tapering upwards. Eyes large,
over the junction of the 4th and 5th upper labials, about opposite
the middle of the commissure. Postorbitals two, lower in notch be-
tween the 5th and 6th labials, although resting more on the latter.
Anteorbital large, resting on the 4th labial, the 4th and 5th
labials constituting equally the inferior part of the orbit. Loral
elongated, horizontal, trapezoidal, well developed. Nasals apparently
double, perhaps a single one very much excavated. Two temporal
shields between the occipitals and labials. Labials 8 above, 7th
largest; 8 below, 5th largest. Dorsal rows of scales 23, all per-
fectly smooth ; scales rhomboidal, nearly equal, but rather narrow
above. Abdominal scutellae 206 ; posterior one entire. Subcaudal
scutelloe 40, all entire.
RHINOCHEILUS. 121
The body is crossed by about 33 quadrate black blotches, the 27th
opposite the anus. These are nearly of the same length, and of the
same distance apart throughout, four scales long, and extending be-
tween the second external rows, where their sides are rather rounded
or angulated. The black is very deep, and continuous on the four
or five central rows of scales, whence to the flanks it is varied
by having the centres of each scale reddish yellow. The intervals
between the blotches are exactly the reverse ; above they are uni-
form pale red, and on the sides the centres of each scale are black.
Sometimes scattered black scales may be observed on the back in the
light spaces. Beneath yellowish white, unspotted. The two outer
rows of scales of the same color, but with a short black bar extend-
ing from the middle of each light and dark space, perpendicularly to
the abdomen, the extreme edge of which is sometimes involved. The
head and half its length behind are black, spotted with yellowish on
the sides. The snout and labials yellowish, the plates margined
with black.
^an Diego, Cal. 206. 40. 23. 21. 2^. Dr. John L. Leconte.
122 HALDEA.
GrENUs H A li B E A, Baird & GmARD.
GrEN. Char. Head elongated, ellipsoid, distinct from the body.
Prefrontal plate single. Postfrontals large, entering together with the
loral into the orbit, thus suppressing the anteorbitals. Postorbital
one. Two nasals. Eyes proportionally large, circular. Scales cari-
nated. Postabdominal scutella bifid. Subcaudals divided. Unicolor.
Haldea sfriatula, B. & G. — Grayish brown above, soiled yellow
beneath, (said to be reddish gray above, and salmon-colored beneath, in life).
A narrow light chestnut band across the middle of the occipitals, spreading
over the angle of the mouth. Dorsal scales in 17 rows.
Stn. Coluber striahilus, Linn. Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 375.— Gm. Linn. Syst.
Nat. ed. xiii, I, iii, 1788, 1087.— Harl. Journ. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. V,
1827, 354; and Med. & Phys. Ptes. 1835, 117.
Calamaria striatula, Schl. Ess. Phys. Serp. Part, descr. 1837, 43. — Holbb.
N. Amer. Herp. Ill, 1842, 123. PI. xxix.
Brown Snake.
Vertical plate elongated, hexagonal. Occipitals proportionally
very long, subround exteriorly. Prefrontal subtriangular. Portion
of postfrontals seen from above, oblong, dilated on the face, and ap-
proximating the postnasal and upper part of the orbit. Kostral
tapering upwards. Nostril opening in the posterior margin of the
prenasal plate. Loral elongated, situated above the 2d and 3d
labials, and forming, with the postfrontal, the anterior part of the
orbit. Eyes circular. Superciliaries proportionally large. One
angular postorbital, elevated, the fourth labial forming the lower
portion of the posterior part of the orbit. Temporal shields of
medium size. Mouth deeply cleft. Upper labials 5 ; 4th and 5th
very large. Inferior labials 6 ; 5th disproportioually the largest.
Body slender, subcylindrical ; tail short, and very much tapering.
Scales lanceolated, in 17 rows, all carinated, very narrow along the
back; outer row conspicuously broader, with an obsolete carination.
Richmond, Va.
128+1. 36. 17.
9f. If.
C. W. Keesee.
(C
129+1. 37. 17.
7i. If.
u
Charleston, S. C
126+1. 46. 17.
n. It.
Dr. S. B. Barker.
a
123+1. 46. 17.
71. U.
a
Kemper Co., Miss.
125+1. 44. 17.
8J. If.
D. C. Lloyd.
FARANCIA. 123
Genus FARAI¥CIA, Gray.
Gen. Char. Head subelliptical, elongated, slightly distinct from
the body. Prefrontal plate single. One nasal, grooved beneath the
nostril. No anteorbital ; postfrontal and loral constituting the an-
terior portion of the orbit. Two postorbitals. Eyes rather small.
Scales smooth. Postabdominal scutella bifid. Subcaudal in pairs.
Syn, '^arancia, Gray, Zool. Misc. 1842, 68 ; and Catal. of
Snakes in Brit. Mus. 1849, 74.
Farancia abacurus, B. & G.— Body and head above bluish black,
with subquadrate red spots on the flanks. Abdomen red, with transverse
or alternating bluish black irregular spots. Dorsal scales disposed in 19
rows. »
Syn. Coluber abacurus, Holbr. N. Amer. Herp. I, 1836, 119. PI. xxiii.
Homalopsis Reimvardtii, Schl. Ess. Phys. Serp. Part, descr. 1837, 357.
Hydrops Reimvardtii, Gray, Zool. Misc. 1842, 67.
Hydrops abacurus, Dum. & Bibr. Erp. Gen. Tab. 65.
Helicops abacurus, Holbr. N. Amer. Herp. 2d. ed. Ill, 1842, 111. PI. xxvi.
Farancia Drummondi, Gray, Zool. Misc. 1842, 68.
Farancia fasciata. Gray, Catal. of Snakes, Brit. Mus. 1849, 74.
Red-Bellied Snake ; Horn Snake.
Vertical plate subhexagonal, elongated, sides nearly parallel,
pointed posteriorly. Occipitals elongated, angular, posteriorly taper-
ing. Postfrontals subangular, entering in the orbit. Prefrontal
angular, well developed. Rostral much broader than high, concave
beneath. Nostril in the middle of the nasal plate, visible from above.
Loral elongated, horizontal, forming together with the postfrontal,
the anterior part of the orbit. Eyes circular. Superciliaries sub-
angular, elongated, well developed. Two angular postorbitals, upper
one largest, lower one resting on the commissure between the 4th
and 5 th labials. One pre temporal shield, large, and four smaller
ones. Upper labials 7 ; 5th and 6th slightly larger. Lower labials 8,
4th largest ; the two posterior ones scale-like. Mental scutellse two
124 FARANCIA.
pairs, nearly equal in length, posterior pair more tapering. Body
subcylindrical, opalescent; tail proportionally short and conical.
Scales perfectly smooth, rhomboidal ; outer row somewhat broader
than the rest. The five medial rows smaller.
Color uniform bluish black above. On the two outer rows the
ground-color assumes the shape of vertical bands, from one and
a half to two scales broad, leaving an intermediate space from
two to three scales wide, which is red in life, and dull yellow in spe-
cimens preserved in alcohol. Both the red and bluish black extend
on the abdomen, the former being the ground-color, and the vertical
bands of the flank confluent on the middle of the abdomen, either
directly opposite or alternating.
Anderso7i, S. C. 171+2. 47. 19.
Prairie 3Ier Rouge, La. 173+2. 47. 19.
" 173+2. 47. 19.
a _ _ 19. _ _ «
« — — 19. — — "
31i 51.
Miss C. Paine.
30 J. 7|.
Jas. Fairie.
16. 2f.
li
ABASTOR. 125
Genus ABA8TOR, Gray.
■ Gen. Char. Head subconical, continuous with the body. Cepha-
lic plates normal. Vertical plate elongated. One nasal, grooved
beneath the nostril. No anteorbitals. One loral together with the
postfrontals constituting the orbit anteriorly. Two postorbitals.
Eyes of medium size, circular. Scales smooth. Penultimate and
last abdominal scutella bifid. Subcaudal all bifid.
Syn. Ahastor, Gray, Catal. of Snakes in Brit. Mus. 1849, 78.
Abactor erytliro^ramniMS, Gray. — Bluish black, opalescent,
"with three longitudinal lines of dull yellow (red in life). Abdomen dull
yellow (flesh-colored in life), with a series of bluish-black spots on each
side. Dorsal scales in 19 rows.
Syn. Coluber erythrogrammus, Daud. Hist. Nat. Rept. VII, 1799, 93.
Tab. 83, fig. 2.— HoLBK.*N. Amer. Herp. 1st ed. I, 1836, 115. PI. xxii.
Helicops erythrogrammus, Wagl. Nat. Syst. Amph. 1830, 170. — Holbr. N.
Amer. Herp. 2d ed. Ill, 1842, 107. PI. xxv.
Homalopsis erythrogrammus, Boie, Isis. 1827, 551.
Abastor erythrogrammus, Gray, Catal. of Snakes in Brit. Mus. 1849, 78.
Vertical plate subhexagonal, long, maintaining its width posteriorly
to the point where it enters between the occipitals. Occipitals long,
anteriorly and posteriorly angular, rounded exteriorly. Postfrontals
polygonal, entering into the orbit. Prefrontals proportionally small
and subtriangular. Rostral very broad. Nostril in the middle of
the nasal, with a groove beneath. Eyes very large. Loral narrow,
forming with the postfrontals the anterior portion of the orbit. Su-
perciliaries large, elongated, sides undulated. Two rounded post-
orbitals, lower one smallest. A very long temporal shield extending
backwards beyond the occipitals, and two or three smaller ones,
scarcely distinguishable from the scales. Mouth deeply cleft. Upper
labials 7, Cth larger; lower labials 7; 4th larger. Two pairs of
126 ABASTOR.
mental shields, posterior pair smallest, extending backwards beyond
the 4th inferior labial. Scales subrhomboidal, smooth, constituting
19 longitudinal rows ; outer rows considerably larger, the other
nearly equal amongst themselves, except the second row, which is
somewhat larger.
Ground-color above bluish black. Dorsal longitudinal red line
narrow, embracing only the medial rows of scales, extending from
the occipitals to a little way beyond the anus. On each side of this
there are three rows of scales of the ground-color. Then a longitu-
dinal red line, broader than the medial one, though covering only
one row of scales, then again three rows of the ground-color. Of
the remaining two outer rows of scales, the outermost is uniform red-
dish yellow, and the bases of the scales of the second row have a spot
of bluish black. Beneath, two series of bluish black subelliptical
and transverse spots, one spot on the exterior third and anterior
margin of each scutella. The plates of the head are narrowly mar-
gined with yellow. The labials are yellow, with a central black spot.
Southern States. (?) 182+1. 37. 19. 15|. 2f. Rev. J. O. Morris.
« 185+1. — 19. 14f. I. "
Savannah, Ga. 179+1.41.19. 10. Ij. R. R. Cuyler.
« 179+1. 37. 19. 10. If. "
VIRGINIA. 127
Genus VIRGII^IA, Baird & Girard. .^^i-^ ^<^'
Gen. Chajr. Head subelliptical, detached from the body. Cepha-
lic plates normal. Two nasals; posterior one not invaded by the
nostril. Postfrontals and loral entering into the orbit, and suppress-
ing the anteorbitals. Two postorbitals. Mental scutellse two pairs.
Eyes of medium size, circular. Scales smooth. Postabdominal
scutella bifid. Subcaudal all divided.
Virginia Valerise, B. & G. — Yellowish or grayish brown above,
with minute black dots irregularly scattered, or constituting two series.
Beneath lighter. Dorsal scales in 15 rows.
Vertical plate hexagonal, more or less elongated; occipitals ob-
long, exteriorly rounded. Postfrontals irregularly angular, produced
into the orbit. Prefrontals subtriangular, proportionally small.
Rostral narrow, and tapering upwards. Nostrils in the middle of
the posterior margin of the prenasal. Loral elongated, forming to-
gether with the postfrontals, the anterior portion of the orbit. Eyes
circular. Superciliaries rather large, oblong, elongated. Postorbitals
two (angular), lower one between the 4th and 5th labials. Mouth
deeply cleft. Upper labials 6, 5th largest; inferior labials 6, 4th
largest. Temporal shields four or five, well developed. Body slen-
der, subcylindrical, flattened beneath ; tail very short, diminishing
very rapidly towards its acute tip.
The scales are subrhomboidal and perfectly smooth ; the two outer
rows considerably broader than the rest, then diminishing gradually
towards the middle line of the back.
Ground-color uniform yellowish or grayish brown ; dull yellow
beneath. Minute black dots are in most cases scattered along the
upper part of the body, forming sometimes two longitudinal series.
Along the middle of each scale is a faint light line, which makes the
128 VIRGINIA.
body appear as if striated. On the outer rows this light line is
broader, and appears as a succession of oblong spots.
Kent Co., Md.
127+1. 25. 15.
91.
1 1
X4.
Miss V. Blaney.
Maryland.
122+1. 36. 15.
71.
1*.
Prof.C.B.Adams.
Washington, D. C.
123+1. 25. 15.
n-
(on dep.) J. Varden.
a
125+1. 24. 15.
Si.
u.
a
(C
128+1. 25. 15.
101
. u.
(C
(C
125+1. 29. 15.
8i.
li.
a
Anderson, S. C.
125+1. 27. 15.
Sh
U-
Miss C. Paine.
((
118+1. 25. 15.
71.
1.
»
CELUTA. 129
Genus C E Ij U T A, Baird & Girard.
Gen. Char. Head elongated, subelliptical, continuous with the
body. Cephalic plates normal. Vertical broad. Superciliaries very
small. One nasal, nostril in the middle. No anteorbital. Orbit
formed chiefly by the loral, which is large, and slightly by the post-
frontals. Scales smooth. Postabdominal scutella bifid. Subcaudals
divided. Unicolor.
DiflPers from Bracliyorrhos in having two pairs of frontals, and
smooth scales.
Celuta. ailioena, B. & G. — Above uniform chestnut-brown, opa-
lescent ; light yellow (bright salmon-color in life) beneath. Dorsal scales
in 13 rows.
Stn. Coluber amsenus, Say, Jo urn. Acad. Nat. So. Philad. IV, 1825, 237.
— Harl. Journ. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. V, 1827, 855 ; and Med. & Phys.
Res. 1835, 118.— Storer, Rep. Rept. Mass. 1839, 226.
Calamaria amoena, Schl. Ess. Phys. Serp. Part, descr. 1837, 31. PL i,
figs. 19 and 20.
Brachyorrhos amsenus, Holbr. N. Amer. Herp. Ill, 1842, 115. PI. xxvii.
Ground Snake ; Worm Snake.
Head very small; vertical plate hexagonal, nearly as broad as
long. Prefrontals angular, one-third the size of postfrontals, which
are likewise angular, and enter posteriorly into the upper portion of
the orbit in front. Occipitals proportionally large. Rostral broad,
and well developed. Nasal single, nostril in the middle of the an-
terior half. A large loral forming with the postfrontal the anterior
part of the orbit. A quadrangular and elevated postorbital. Super-
ciliaries very small and narrow. Snout protruding. Eyes circular,
over the commissure of the 3d and 4th labial. Upper labials 5, 5th
largest. Inferior labial 6, 3d largest. Temporal shields well de-
veloped.
Body very glossy, subcylindrical. Tail short, tapering into a
point. Scales rhomboidal, broad, all perfectly smooth. Outer row
somewhat larger. Postabdominal scutella bifid.
9
130
CELUTA.
The specimen figured by Schlegel, and which he had from Ten-
nessee, exhibits only one pair of frontal plates, whilst the numerous
specimens from the eastern part of the United States, examined by
us, are all provided with two such pairs. Of two specimens from
Missssippi, one corresponds exactly with the figure given by Schlegel,
whilst the other has three frontal plates, a posterior pair, and the
right plate of the anterior pair. This circumstance has warned us
against distinguishing, for the present, a western species from an
eastern. Schlegel had ten individuals in his possession, but we are
not told whether they all agreed together, as no importance is given
by that author to the presence of one pair of frontals only. Should
all the western specimens agree in the deficiency of the prefrontals,
this would undoubtedly become a character of some importance.
Carlisle, Pa.
128+1. 30. 13.
111.
If-
S. F. Baird.
(I
120+1. 36. 13.
81.
n.
((
(I
131+1. 29. 13.
10^.
li.
(C
(C
120+1. 33. 13.
6f.
n.
<(
Foxhurg, Pa.
119 + 1. 26. 13.
7.
15
(I
Washington, D. C
131+1. 28. 13.
lOf.
If.
J. Varden.
Mount Vernon, Pa.
129+1. 27. 13.
12.
li
W. B. Parker.
Clarke Co., Va.
131+1. 24. 13.
lOK
• is-
Dr. C. B. Kennerly.
Anderson, S. C.
131+1. 28. 13.
101.
h%
Miss C. Paine.
cc
126+1. 27. 13.
lOi.
1|.
a
(C
130+1. 26. 13.
lOJ.
li.
a
Mississippi.
120+1. 33. 13.
8|.
Ill
Dr.B.F.Shumard.
((
121+1. 35. 13.
H.
u.
a
TANTILLA. 131
Genus TA1VTIL.L.A, Baird & Girard.
Gen. Char. Head sleuder, continuous with the body. Cephalic
plates normal. Postfrontals proportionally large, separated from the
labials to which they approximate, between the postnasal and ante-
orbital. Two nasals, nostrils in the anterior plate. No loral. An-
terior orbital one ; posterior one or two. Eyes below the medium
size. Body slender, subcylindrical ; tail tapering. Scales smooth in
in 15 rows. Postabdominal scutella bifid. Subcaudal all divided.
Unicolor.
1. Tantilla. COronata, B. & G. — One anteorbital, two postorbitals.
Body uniform reddish brown ; head deep chestnut-brown, with a black band
across the neck above, in advance of which is a narrow lighter space.
Snout prominent. Vertical plate hexagonal, anteriorly and pos-
teriorly acute. Occij)itals slender, rounded exteriorly. Postfrontals
angular, excluded frort}. the orbit, though extending on the sides of
the head. Prefrontals triangular. Rostral proportionally broad.
Nostrils situated on the posterior margin of the prenasal plate, and
visible frqm above. Postnasal elongated, contiguous anteriorly to
the anteorbital plate, and above to the postfrontal. No loral plate.
Eyes rather small, circular. Superciliaries proportionally large,
angular. Anteorbital one ; postorbitals two, all angular. A large
pretemporal shield, and two smaller ones behind. Mouth deeply cleft.
Upper labials 7; 7th the largest; 3d and 4th beneath the eye. In-
ferior labials 7 ; 4th the largest. Mental scutellae one pair. Body
slender, tail rather short, tapering into a point. Scales subelliptical,
considerably broader in outer row.
Ground-color of body uniform reddish brown ; light beneath.
Head deep chestnut-brown ; upper part of neck with a blackish
brown half-ring, covering 3 scales in length, between which and the
head a narrow space of the ground-color exists, across the tip of the
occipitals.
Kemper Co., Miss. 143+1. 35. 15. 8|. 1/g. D. C. Lloyd.
132 TANTILLA.
5J. Tantilla gracilis, B. & G. — Anterior and postorbitals one each.
Color uniform greenish brown above, lighter beneath ; head darker.
Vertical plate subhexagonal, much shorter than in T. coronata.
Postfrontals separated from 2d upper labial by the postnasal. Nostril
in the postmargin of the prenasal. Eyes very small and circular.
Superciliaries proportionally smaller and narrower than in T. coro-
nata. One anteorbital and one postorbital, both angular. Mouth
deeply cleft. Upper labials 6 ; 5th and 6th equally larger than the
rest; 3d and 4th beneath the eye, entering slightly into the orbit
anteriorly and posteriorly. Temporal shields two, narrow and elon-
gated. Body slender and subcylindrical, covered above with sub-
rhomboidal or elliptical and smooth scales, constituting 15 rows ;
outer row but slightly larger than the three or four succeeding rows.
Tail very slender.
Ground-color uniform greenish brown, lighter beneath. Head
darker.
Indianola. 129+1. 45. 15. 7i. If. Col. J. D. Graham.
" — — 15. «
OSCEOLA. • 133
Genus O S C E O li A, Baird & Girard.
Gen. Char. Head subelliptical, distinct from the body. Cepha-
lic plates normal. Vertical hexagonal. Postfrontals very large, ex-
tending to the upper labials, and suppressing the loral. Two nasals,
with nostril intermediate. One anterior and two posterior orbitals.
Mental scutellse 2 pairs. Eyes large. Body slender, subcylindrical.
Tail tapering. Scales smooth. Postabdominal scutella entire. Sub-
caudal bifid.
Osceola elapsoidea, B. & G. — Body red, crossed by pairs of black
rings enclosing each a white one. Scales disposed in 19 rows.
Syn. Calamaria elapsoidea, Holbe. N. Amer. Herp. Ill, 1842, 119.
PI. xxviii.
Snout projecting over the lower jaw; mouth deeply cleft. Verti-
cal plate hexagonal, longer than broad anteriorly. Occipitals large,
elongated, and angular. Postfrontals very large, extending to the
2d upper labial. Prefrontals proportionally well developed and tra-
pezoidal. Rostral very broad. Nostrils very large, occupying the
whole inner margin of the nasals, and visible from above. Ante-
orbital narrow, resting on the 3d labial. Middle of the eye over the
commissure of the 3d and 4th labial. Two angular postorbitals, in-
ferior one situated on the commissure, between the 4th and 5th
labials. One large temporal shield, anterior, several posterior ones
smaller. Upper labials 7, 6th largest ; inferior labials 7, 5th largest.
Body subcylindrical, deeper than broad j tail forming about the
eighth of the total length. Scales rhomboidal, perfectly smooth,
constituting 19 rows; the outer row slightly broader than the
rest.
Ground-color brilliant red above, fading below, annulated with
15 pairs of jet-black rings from head to anus, and three pairs on the
184 OSCEOLA.
tail, each pair enclosing a white ring. Head from the eyes to the
snout red, vertical plate maculated with black. A black bar across
the occipitals to the temporal shields, and another on the neck,
between which a yellowish ring, narrow above, and spreading over
the angle of the mouth, post upper labials and inferior surface of the
head. The )>lack rings cover from two to three scales, and the inter-
mediate white, one scale. The red spaces between the black em-
brace from 4 to 7 scales. The black rings taper towards the sides,
whilst the white ones are spreading.
Charleston, S. C. 175. 44. 19. 17|. 2f . Dr. S. B. Barker.
In a specimen from Mississippi there are 21 pairs of black rings
from the head to the anus, narrower than in the specimen from
Charleston, and interrupted on the abdomen. The intermediate
white is of about the same width in each. On the tail there are 5
pairs of black rings, all the rings at the same distance apart, and
equal in width to their interspaces.
Mississippi. 180. 54. 19. 17. 2i Dr. B. F. Shumard.
STORERIA. 135
Genus STOKERIA, Baird & Girard.
Gen. Char. Head subelliptical, distinct from the body. Cephalic
plates normal. Loral plate absent. Orbitals, two posterior; one or
two anterior. Nasals two, rather large. Body small, scarcely ex-
ceeding a foot in length, subcylindrical ; tail comparatively short,
tapering. Dorsal scales 15-17 rows, all carinated. Abdominal
scutellae 120-140 ; posterior one bifid. Subcaudal, all divided, from
41 to 51 in number. Color brown, with two dorsal dotted lines.
1. Storeria Ueiiayi, B. & G. — One anterior and two posterior
orbitals. Dorsal rows 17. Gray or chestnut-brown above, with a clay-
colored dorsal band, margined by dotted lines. A dark patch on each side
of the occipital ; a dark bar between this and the eye, and two below the
orbit.
Syn. Tropidonotus Dekayi, Holer. N. Amer. Herp. Ill, 1842, 53. PI. xiv.
— Dekay, N. York Fauna. Kept. 1842, 46. PI. xiv, fig. 30.
Tropidonotus ordinatus* ^to'rer, Rep. Rept. Mass. 1839, 223,
Body rather thick in the middle, tapering to the tail and head,
both of which are small and slender. Eyes small. Nostril princi-
pally in the prenasal. Seven upper labials on each side. Lower
labials seven, of which the 4th and 5th are very large, extending
quite to the mental. A second plate parallel with the 6th, rather
longer. Exterior dorsal row of scales largest, rest diminishing gra-
dually to the back.
Color grayish brown, sometimes chestnut-brown above and on the
sides, with a dorsal stripe extending from occiput to the end of the
tail, of a decidedly lighter tint, and about three and two half-scales
in width. This is bordered along each outer edge by a series of
rounded brown dots, occurring at intervals of about two scales ; of
these there are about 70 pairs from occiput to anus. Each dot occu-
pies generally a single scale, but is sometimes seen on the skin on
each side. On separating the scales, the skin on each side of the
4th lateral row of scales exhibits a second series, similar to and
136
STOKERIA.
alternating with the first. A third series opposite to the first and
alternating with the 2d, is seen along the 2d row, and there are even
traces of a fourth between the abdominal and first dorsal series. Of
these only the first-mentioned series is visible under ordinary circum-
stances, and is generally only to be made out on separating the scales,
the color only occasionally being shown on their margins. The first
pair of dots just behind and across the angle of the jaw is enlarged
into a crescentic patch, concave before. A second narrow vertical
patch of black across the sides of the head, anterior to a point'half-
way between the first and the eye ; this sometimes interrupted in the
middle. The posterior margins of the 3d and 4th (sometimes the
2d) labials black, showing two vertical lines below the orbit. Plates
on top of head mottled chestnut-brown.
Color beneath grayish white, with one or two black specks near
the exterior edge of each scale. Tail unicolor.
In some specimens the brown of the sides increases in depth to the
dorsal stripe. In some, too, a transverse bar connects the lateral
spots across the back.
In a very young specimen from Grosse lie, the colors are dark
chestnut above, with the interval between the occipital patches and
the cephalic plates and orbit white, crossed by a vertical black line
on the angle of the mouth. Length 42 inches.
Racine, Wise.
128+1.
47.
17.
13.
21.
Dr. P. R. Hoy.
Grosse lie, Mich.
125+1-
50.
17.
8i.
If.
Rev. Chas. Fox.
Cleveland, Ohio.
131+1.
48.
17.
lU.
2}.
Dr. Kirtland.
Wesfport, N. T.
123+1.
61.
17.
lOf.
2f.
S. F. Baird.
Harrishurg, Pa.
120+1.
—
17.
7f.
2^
a
Framingham, Mass.
127+1.
45.
17.
in
2-J.
u
Fittshurgh, Fa.
—
G. VV.Fahnestock.
Washington, D.
a
129+1.
41.
17.
12.
2i.
S. F. Baird.
Anderson, S. C.
120+1.
17.
9J.
3i
Miss C. Paine,
a
130+1.
47.
17.
12 i
2^
((
Georgia.
186+1.
49.
17.
Major Leconte.
New Orleans. ?
124+1.
46.
17.
11.
2.
J. Varden.
New Braunfels,
Tex
- —
-
—
F. Lindheimer.
STORERIA. 137
2. Storeria occipilo-maculata, B. & G.— Orbitals 1, two an-
terior, two posterior. Dorsal scales in 15 rows. Above gray, or chestnut-
brown, sometimes with a paler vertebral line ; beneath red or salmon-color.
Three distinct light colored spots behind the head, and a smaller one on
the 4th or 5th upper labial.
Stn. Tropidonotus occipito-maculaiiis. Stoker, Rep. Rept. Mass. 1839, 230.
Coluber venusius, Hallow. Proc. Acad. Nat. So. Philad. Ill, 1847, 274;
and vol. IV, 1849, 245.
Nostril almost entirely in the prenasal plate, in some cases the
postnasal not entering at all into it. Five to six upper labials,
increasing in length posteriorly, lower labials 6 to 7, similarly con-
stituted. Vertical plate hexagonal, shield-shaped. Muzzle rather
broad, eyes larger than in >S^. Dehayi.
Color above light chestnut-brown, sometimes chestnut-gray, at
others olivaceous : a paler vertebral line from occiput to end of tail,
about three scales in width ; on each side of this may be seen a
series of minute brown spots, produced by the brown bases of the scales
in the 3d row on each side from the central series. Sometimes the
brown covers the whole scale, and gives rise to two dorsal lines; at
others it is almost entirely wanting, and this, connected as it gene-
rally is with a less ditstinct vertebral band, gives the impression of a
uniform tint above. Upper margin of the exterior dorsal lines
brighter yellowish, giving the effect in some cases of a lateral narrow
light line. Abdomen in life salmon-color, in alcohol whitish yellow,
with the sides finely mottled with dark-brown, sometimes obsoletely,
at others constituting very distinct bands. These generally do not
encroach upon the dorsal scales. Occasionally, however, the middle
of the exterior row of scales exhibits a dark stripe. Immediately
behind the occipital plates, and on the median line, is seen a
dull salmon-colored blotch, on each side of which, over the angle of
the jaws, is a similar smaller one. The intervals between these
blotches sometimes darker. A small salmon-colored spot on the 4th
or 5th upper labial, behind the orbit. Plates on the top of the head
blotched with darker. Lower jaw minutely dotted with brown.
Description of a living specimen caught at Westport, N. Y., Au-
gust, 1847. — "Iris dark chestnut, rather lighter above and ex-
ternally. General color above dull chestnut-brown. Attentively
examined, however, when wet, there is seen a faint dorsal stripe of
138 STORERJA-
lighter color, bordered by a line on each side of darker, which fades
off to the abdominal scutellae until the color is the same as the dorsal
line, or even lighter. Behind the head are three light yellowish
brown occipital spots. AVhole under parts, except the chin or throat,
bright brick-red. Chin and throat white, mottled finely with gray
and black, like pepper and salt. An irregularly defined stripe of the
same mottling along the sides, from head to anus, crossing the ab-
dominal scutellae near the outside."— S. F. Baird, Mss.
Wesfport, iV. Y. 124+1. 43. 15. 9j. If. S. F. Baird.
Portland, Me. — — — Prof. Caldwell.
Lake Superior. — — — Prof. Agassiz.
Racine, Wise. — — — Dr. P. R. Hoy.
Foxburg, Pa. — — — S. F. Baird.
Madrid, N. T. 128+1. 50. 15. 11. 2|. E. A. Dayton.
Pittshurgh, Pa. — — — G. "W. Fahnestock.
Pottsville, Pa. — — — Mr. Sheafer.
Charleston, S. C. — — — Dr. S. B. Barker.
Anderson, S. C. — — — — — Miss C Paine.
Georgia. — — — — — Major Leconte.
A very strongly marked variety, which the condition of the speci-
mens does not allow us to characterize or determine as a species, is
seen in individuals from Charleston and Anderson, S. C, in which
the body is dark slate-blue, except the middle third of the abdomen,
which is yellowish white. The dorsal lines of black dots are visible
through the ground-color ; the lateral lighter line is scarcely per-
ceptible. The three occipital spots, and that on the labials, are
distinct.
Charleston, S. C. — Dr. S.B. Barker.
Anderson, S. C. 125+1. 53. 15. 8 J. 2i. MissC. Paine.
r Dr. B. F.
Mar Mammoth Cave, Ky. 118 + 1. 47. 15. %\. 2. < ^^ ^
Another variety is seen in a specimen from Pittsburgh, Pa., where,
in addition to the coloration just mentioned, the vertebral stripe is
light chestnut, contrasting strongly with the ground-color.
WENONA. 139
Genus IV E !¥ © !¥ A, Baird & Girard.
Gen. Char. Head small, conical, slightly swollen on the tempo-
ral region, though not separated from the body by a contracted neck.
Snout protruding beyond the lower jaw. Mouth moderately cleft.
Eyes very small. A broad and short vertical 3 two or three pairs of
frontals. Occipitals very small, the size of the superciliaries. One
nasal, a posterior one; nostril between it and the prefrontals, which
extend over the place occupied elsewhere by the prenasal. Loral
united with postfrontals or separated. One very large anteorbital ;
two or more postorbitals. Numerous small temporal shields. Scales
very small, lozenge-shaped, smooth, in 45 dorsal rows. Postab-
dominal scutella not divided. Subcaudal all entire. Unicolor.
Tail proportionally short, stout, terminating blunt.
Syn. Wenona, B. & G. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. VI, 1852, 176.
1. Wenona plumbea, B. & G. — Uniform bluish lead-color above ;
uniform yellowish white beneath. Three pairs of frontal plates. Middle
pair united with the loral, and thus extending to the labials. Labials not
entering into the orbit. Dorsal scales in 45 rows.
Syn. Wenona plumbea, B. & G. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. VI, 1852, 176.
Upper surface of head slightly convex, snout rounded and promi-
nent. Vertical plate as broad as long, obtuse angled anteriorly,
rounded posteriorly. Postfrontals small and triangular, the smallest
of all the frontals. Middle frontals subangular, transversely elon-
gated, reaching the labials at the commissure of the 2d and 3d,
occupying the place of the loral. Prefrontals angular posteriorly,
rounded anteriorly, reaching the first labial, and occupying the
place of the prenasal. Rostral broad and large. Postnasal subtri-
angular, elongated, apex directed backwards. Nostril vertically
elongated, situated between the lateral expansion of the prefrontals
and the postnasal. Occipitals quite small, and united in one plate,
140 WENONA.
perhaps accidentally. Anteorbital subpyramidal, apex reaching the
upper surface of head, touching the vertical, and produced between
the superciliaries and postfrontals. Superciliaries subquadrangular,
more developed on the surface of the head than in the orbit. Three
postorbitals, with rounded margins, upper one slightly the largest,
situated near the upper surface of head, and might be considered
as a second superciliary. Two suborbitals ; anterior larger, sub-
hexagonal, situated above the commissure between the 4th and 5th
labials ; posterior rounded, oblong, above the posterior half of the
5th labial. Temporal shields numerous and small, scalelike. Cleft
of mouth slightly arched upwards. Upper labials 9; three anterior
ones much higher than the rest ; 5th broadest, none reaching the
orbit. Lower labials inconspicuous ; three anterior ones the largest.
Body subcylindrical, deeper than broad ; abdomen comparatively
narrow. Tail short, thick, blunt at its extremity. Scales small,
irregular, subelliptical, or sublozenge-shaped ; on the outer row very
large proportionally, higher than long. In the 2d row the scales are
still larger ; but in the remaining rows they become uniformly small,
scarcely diminishing towards the middle line of the back. On the
tail, however, they are somewhat larger.
Puget Sound, Or. 206. 37. 45. ITf. 2 J. (on dep.) Expl. Exped.
2. "WenOMa Isabella, B. & G. — Uniform isabel-color above, dull
yellow beneath. Two pairs of frontal i^lates. An angular loral. Upper
4th and 5th labials entering into the orbit. A small anterior vertical be-
tween the postfrontals. Dorsal scales in 45 rows.
Stn. Wenona Isabella, B. & G. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. VI, 1852, 176.
Upper surface of head flat, snout subtruncated. Vertical broader
than long, rounded posteriorly. A small second vertical between
the postfrontals. Occipitals united in one small narrow plate. Two
pairs of frontals only; postfrontals much larger, subrounded, forming
on the right side a continuous plate with the loral, whilst on the left
side the loral is distinct from the postfrontal which itself is angular.
Prefrontals subangular, extending to the first upper labial, and occu-
pying the place of the prenasal. Rostral broad, obtuse angled above.
Anteorbital pyramidal, extending to the surface of the head, pro-
duced between the postfrontals and superciliary, and touching the
vertical. Superciliary proportionally larger than in W. 2>^umbea,
WENONA. 141
irregularly rounded. Three subangular and polygonal postorbitals.
Numerous temporal shields of the size of the postorbitals, and but
slightly larger than the scales. Cleft of mouth horizontal. Upper
labials 9 ; the 5 anterior ones higher, the 4th and 5th entering into
the orbit. Lower labials 10 ; the 4 anterior ones larger than the
rest, which, as in W. plumhea, are not conspicuous.
Body subcylindrical, deeper than broad; abdomen narrow. Tail
short and thick, blunt posteriorly. Scales as in W. plumhea, only
proportionally smaller.
Fuget Sound, Or. 210. 34. 45. 15^. 2yV. (on dep.) Expl. Exped.
142 RENA.
Genus REl^A, Baird & Girard.
Gen. Char. Head slightly depressed and continuous with the
body. Snout blunt and rounded, overlapping considerably the lower
jaw. A large rostral plate. One nasal. A pair of fronto-nasals. One
eye shield, or ocular. A pair of parietals. A pair of postparietals.
Medial row of scales extending over the head to the rostral. Nostrils
lateral, oblong, situated between the nasal and fronto-nasal. Eyes
not conspicuous. Mouth inferior, semilunar.
1. Rena dulcis, B. & G. — Reddish brown above; reddish white be-
neath. Fifteen rows of scales. Body depressed. Eye shield separated by
a small plate from the series representing the vertical.
Body slender, elongated, rather stouter posteriorly than anteriorly,
depressed, broader than deep. Tail very short, subeonical, bluntly
terminated, about o'g of the total length. Rostral rounded, taper-
ing, separating the fronto-nasals for nearly their whole length.
Fronto-nasals proportionally large, tapering upwards, and undulat-
ing. Nasal subtriangular, nostril situated on the middle of its upper
margin, close to the fronto-nasal. Eye shield large, elevated, irregu-
larly oblong, extending to the top of the head from the margin of
the jaw. Parietal and postparietal similar, transversally elongated,
the postparietal somewhat larger. Four shield-shaped scales in a
longitudinal series between the postparietals, parietals, eyeshield,
fronto-nasals on each sides, and the rostral in front, occupy the place
of the vertical. On the crown, and just above the eye-shield, is a
small semilunar plate, separating it from the series just described,
and probably the homologue of the supraorbital. The margin of the
upper jaw is formed in front by the rostral; on the sides next to the
rostral by the nasal, behind which is a subquadrangular, obliquely ele-
vated labial, limited above by the fronto-nasal, and posteriorly by the
eye-shield, which enters likewise in the upper labial aeries. Pos-
terior to the eye-shield is a subtriangular labial at the angle of the
jaw, approximating above the parietal, and limited behind by the
RENA. , 143
postparietal and the beginning of the scales. Inferior labials four,
similar to the scales under the throat.
The scales present a great uniformity throughout the whole length
of the body ; a little smaller beneath than above.
Between San Pedro and ), ,^ >,,,., . /-.ix-rvz-ii
^ 7 r. • rr, \ length TJ. tail A. Col. J. D. Graham.
(Jamanclie tSprings, lex. ) '
2. Rena, liuiuilis, B. & G. — Uniform chestnut-brown, lighter be-
neath. Scales in l-S rows. Body cylindrical. The eye-shield in contact
with the longitudinal series on tOp of the head.
Body very slender and cylindrical. Tail short, conical, tapering,
not acute, y^g of the total length. Head less depressed. Eyes and
nostril more distinct than in the preceding species. No supraorbitals.
Postparietals much smaller than the parietals. Scales on the abdo-
men larger than on the back.
Valliecitas, Cal. length 6. tail 4. Dr. John L. Le Conte.
APPENDIX A.
Species examined, of which no specimens are in possession
op the simithsonian institution.
CrotalUS oregonus, Holbr. — Grayish ash above, with narrow
lighter lines decussating, so as to form dorsal and lateral rhomboids, with
the angles all sharp and well defined, and their margins within the light
lines, black. Beneath black. The dark postocular vitta passes above the
labials without coming into the edge of the mouth. A light line across the
head through the middle of the superciliaries.
Stn. Crotalus oregonus, Holbk. N. Amer. Herp. Ill, 1842, 21. PI. iii.
The only known specimen of this strongly marked species, and
the same as that upon which Dr. Holbrook based his description, is
too much shrivelled to admit of accurate description. In its general
features it has a close resemblance to C. adamanteus, like it, having
the back crossed by decussating light lines, enclosing transversely
elongated rhomboids, with all the angles sharp and well defined.
Of these rhomboids there are about 32 from head to anus.
The general color is grayish ash, the decussating lines being of a
lighter tint of the same. Along the margins of the lozenges, and just
within the light lines, is a black border. Scutellse black, with ash-
colored margins, the width of the ash-color diminishing from the
head to the tail. There is a narrow, well-defined line across the
head, just above the middle of the eye, which then appears to be
continuous along the edge of the superciliaries to the angle of the
jaw. A second white line starts between the nostril and the eye,
and, passing back under the eye, strikes the edge of the mouth at the
10 145
146 APPENDIX A.
7th labial, and extends along to the angle of the mouth : the ends of
the anterior lines on opposite sides scarcely appear to meet on the
top of the head. The vitta between these two light lines is dark
ash, margined with black, and passes back above the labials to the
angle of the mouth. The space in front of the second line is black,
except a short narrow line produced along the labials anteriorly as a
branch of the line in front of the eye. Edges of the nostril light.
The animal is quite young,, there being but a single button.
An important feature of distinction from C. adamanteus is seen in
the fact that the dark line on the side of the head passes above the
labials to the angle of the mouth, instead of passing very directly
down to the edge of the mouth, considerably anterior to the angle.
The sharpness and close approximation of the rhomboids distinguish
it from the other Western species. The head is much longer in pro-
portion than in C. lucifer.
From the collection of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Phila-
delphia.
Columbia River. 177. 22. — 12*. If. Thomas Nuttall.
£(lfflinia, COMCinna, B. & G. — Dorsal rows of scales 21, all cari-
nated. Black, -with a dorsal light stripe, and the usual lateral Stripes re-
placed by a series of distinct salmon-colored spots.
Syn. Tropidonotus concinnus, Hallow. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. VI,
1852, 182.
Head small ; body rather stout. Outer row of scales higher and
larger than the rest, which are nearly equal. Above intense black,
with a dorsal greenish white line one and two half-scales wide, and
extending from head to tip of tail. On each side is a series of verti-
cally elongated distinct spots of a reddish salmon-color, and 75 in
number, between the head and anus. They occur on the 2d to the
6th rows of scales, and are half a scale long, the same color being
visible on the adjoining skin. The dark intervals are one scale
longer than the spots themselves. Beneath greenish black, tinged
with white anteriorly. Whole head reddish yellow, tinged above
with brown.
A near relative of our Eutainia Pickering li. Belonging to the
Academy of Natural Sciences.
Oregon. $ 163.' 85. 21. 26. 7 J. Dr. B. F. Shumard.
APPENDIX A. 147
IVerodia. ni^er^ B. & G. — Head ellipsoid, anteriorly blunt, flattened Yfy
above. Vertical plate very long, subhexagonal, slightly concave on the
sides. Three postorbitals. Loral and nasals proportionally large. Dorsal
scales in 23 rows. Color nearly uniform dark-brown on the back, macu-
lated on the flanks and abdomen.
Stn. Tropidonotus niger, Holbr. N. Amer. Herp. IV, 18i2, 37. PI. ix.
Water Adder.
Body more slender, and head larger than in ISf. sipedon, though
provided with 23 rows of scales, all of which are carinated. The
scales of the outer row, however, are very large, proportionally more
so than in N. sipedon, the nearest relative of this species. The pre-
frontals are triangular. The vertical plate is more elongated than in
N. sipedon, whilst the occipitals are smaller. The nasals and loral
are also larger, as are the labials, though their number is the same
in both species. The prefrontals are triangular.
Ground-color chestnut-brown, with the scales streaked with black
on the dorsal region, whilst the flanks are mottled, so as to appear
darker. The head beneath, and the middle of the abdomen on the
anterior portion of the body are yellowish. The sides of the abdo-
men, and posterior portion of body and tail, are densely maculated
with black, almost entirely black beneath the tail.
From the Cabinet of the Academy of Natural Sciences.
Massachusetts. 141-f 1. 66. 23. 28J. 6J. Dr. D. H. Storer.
IVerodia rhombifer, B. & G. — Vertical plate elongated, narrow, Yf/
sides nearly parallel. Dorsal scales 27 ; scales all carinated. Postorbitals
two on one side, three on the other. Labials 8, 6th highest. A dorsal
series and a lateral on each side of quadrate blotches ; the alternating
blotches of opposite sides connected across the back by dark lines passing
into the dorsal series.
Stn. Tropidonotus rhomUfer, Hallow. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. VI,
1852, 177.
Ground-color light brown, or when the epidermis is removed,
bluish ash. The dorsal dark spots are" 50 in number from the head
to the tip of the tail, the 35th opposite the anus. The lateral bars
alternate with the preceding : they extend between the edges of the
148 APPENDIX A.
abdomen and the 9th or 10th rows of scales, and are about one and
a half scales long, separated by intervals of 2 1 or 3 s(^ales. The dark
bars crossing the back obliquely, and connecting the alternating bars
of opposite sides by their decussation and slight confluence, form the
dorsal series of blotches. These lines are about half the width of the
vertical bars, appearing like their bifurcations. They divide the
back into a succession of transversely elongated hexagons of the
ground-color. The dark markings are confined to the skin and the
basal halves of the scales, the tips of these in all cases being of the
ground-color. Beneath yellowish white, blotched along each side
with darker.
Collected by Dr. S. W. Woodhouse, on the Arkansas river and its
tributaries, near the northern boundary of the Creek nation, and in
possession of the Topographical Bureau.
Arkansas River. 141+1. 70. 27. Dr. S. W. Woodhouse.
RiTcrodia. frasisversa, B. & G.
Stn. Tropidonotus iransversus. Hallow. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Pliilad. VI,
1852, 177.
Owing to the imperfect condition of the specimen upon which this
species was founded, it has been impossible to determine its true af-
finities (except the generic), although strongly suspecting it to be the
same, or at least very similar to JSF. Woodhousii, B. & Gr. If they be
the same, the name of Dr. Hallowell will of course have priority,
although neither the description nor the present condition of the spe-
cimen afford conclusive proof on this point. Dr. Hallowell's descrip-
tion is as follows : — " Head large, swollen at the temples, convex
posteriorly, flattened between the orbits, depressed in front ; a series
of subquadrate dark-colored blotches, thirty-six or thirty-seven in
number, along the back ; a transverse row of oblong bars along the
sides, their upper margins alternating with the inferior margins of
the dorsal blotches ; scales strongly carinated, 23 rows ; abdominal
scutellas 144 ; subcaudal 78.
"Dimensions. Length of head 12 lines; greatest breadth 7;
length of body 1 ft. (Fr.) 5 inches, 7 lines; length of tail 6 inches;
total length 2 ft.
" Hahitat. Creek boundary, found near the banks of the Arkan-
sas and its tributaries."
Topographical Bureau.
APPENDIX A. 149
Masticopliis flagelliformls, B. & G. ' ,/ / J ,
A young individual in the cabinet of tlie Academy of Natural
Sciences of Philadelphia, and labelled '' Coluber reticularis, Daud.,"
present the following characters, after long preservation in alcohol : —
Above white, with a series of transverse dark bars across the back,
extending from head to tail, about two scales long, and crossing from
one side of the abdomen to the other. There is a faint indication of
darker lateral lines extending through the centres of the lateral rows
of scales. Beneath white, with two series of brown dotted lines ex-
tending from the chin for about one-fourth of the length. Plates on
the top of the head yellowish, with darker margins.
South Carolina. 17. 19. 4f . Acad. Nat. Sc.
APPENDIX B.
Species described by authors, but of which no specimens
could be obtained.
y< 1. ToxicopIliS atrofuscus, Teoost. — Body above dusky, -with
light rhomboidal dorsal blotches of smoky gray, disappearing entirely near
the tail, which is black.
Stn. Toxicophis atrofuscus, Troost. Ann. Lye. Nat. Hist. N. Y. Ill,
1836, 190.
Acontias atrofuscus, Troost. ibid 180.
Trigonocephaliis atrofuscus, Holbr. N. Amer. Herp. Ill, 1842, 43. PI. ix.
" Upper part of the head dark-brown, bordered with gray, which
becomes lighter behind the eyes, with a dark longitudinal spot reach-
ing from the orbit to the tympanal bones. Upper lip white, termi-
nating near the tip in gray. Body dusky, variegated with brown
spots of smoke-gray ; broadest on the back, and disappear on the tail,
which is black. Throat marked with black and white, the latter
color predominating; belly irregularly spotted with black and white,
darkest towards the tail, and in all parts the white is minutely dotted
with black." — Holbrook.
Tennessee. 133. 25+18. — 25. 3|. Dr. G. Troost.
The species probably belongs really to the genus AgMstrodon,
Beauv.
2. Coluber testaceus, Say. — " Body above pale sanguineous or
testaceous ; beneath sanguineous, immaculate." — Say.
Syn. Coluber iestaceus, Say in Long's Exped. Rocky Mts. II, 1823, 48. —
Harl. Journ. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. V, 1827, 348; and Med. & Phys. Res.
1885, 113.— Holbr. N. Amer. Herp. Ill, 1842, 63. PI. xiii.
150
APPENDIX B. 151
" Head subovate, elongated, the snout produced slightly and
rounded. The form of the head, as well as the plates that cover it,
and the disposition of the eyes and nostrils, appear in the preserved
specimen to be precisely similar to those of Coluber constrictor. The
body is long and slender, and is covered with large, smooth hex-
agonal scales above, and with broad plates below. The tail is long
and slender. The whole upper surface of the animal is pale brick-
dust color, the abdomen and below brighter red." — Holbr.
Rocky Mts. 198.80.— 62.— Thos. Say.
The figure represents the postabdominal scutella as divided. The
species perhaps belongs to the genus Mastkopliis, more dorsal rows
being represented than probably belong to it. It may prove to be
Masticophis flavi(fidaris, B. & G.
3. Coluber Sayi, Schl. (non Holbr.) — General color reddish orange,
with a dorsal series of transverse blotches, forming bands towards the pos-
terior region of the body. Flanks mottled or maculated.
Syn. Coluber Sayi, Schl. Ess. Phys. Serp. Part, descr. 1837, 157.
Coluber melanoleiiciis var. Say. — Harl. Journ. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. V,
1827, 360 ; and Med. & Phys. Res. 1835, 123.
"This species is beyond all dispute one of the handsomest of the
genus (^Coluher), and as well characterized by the shape "of its snout
and the plates of its surface as by the beautiful reddish yellow tint
predominant over all the regions of the body. The back, however,
is of a deeper chestnut-brown, in the midst of which the ground-color
appears in the shape of numerous transverse and oval blotches : these
two tints constitute towards the posterior region broad and alternat-
ing bands, extending to the inferior surface. The anterior region is
deeper in color, spotted or maculated with black like the abdomen,
or else exhibiting large patches of this same tint.
" The head is distinct from the neck, and covered with plates, the
vertical of which is a spherical triangle almost equilateral ; the oc-
cipitals are noticeable for their small size ; the labials are large, and
margined with black, but are not to be distinguished from the scales
of the body, which are lanceolated, provided with a carina, and dis-
posed in 25 rows.
" There are three postorbital plates and but one anteorbital, pre-
ceded by a very small loral. The snout is conical, and terminated
152 APPENDIX B.
by a plate, which has the shape of a prominent nose, on each side of
which are the nasals. Our specimen has two pairs of postfrontals
disposed on a single transverse row.
"The bones which constitute the skull are stouter than in the
other species of Coluber. The tympanum is longer, and the nasals
elongated. The intermaxillary is very depressed. The teeth are all
of the same length." — Schlegel.
The specimen described was brought from the Rocky Mountains
by Mr. Say, and presented to M. Schlegel by Charles L. Bonaparte.
Missouri. 221. 55. 25. — about 4 feet.
The species here referred to belongs undoubtedly to the genus
Pituophis. The general system of coloration, the peculiar shape and
structure of the snout, and the presence of two pairs of postfrontal
plates, are characters which this genus alone possesses in the manner
just described.
As to Say's variety of Coluber melanoleucus, as given by Harlan,
it is introduced into the synonymy with some doubt.
4. Coluber vertebrali§, Blainv. — "Reddish yellow or pale red,
marbled -with deep brown, forming a dorsal united series in the shape of a
succession of sections of fish vertebrae, becoming isolated and more apart
towards the posterior region."
Stn. Coluber vertebralis, Blainv. Nouv. Ann. Mus. d'Hist. Nat. Ill, 1834,
61. PI. xxvii. figs. 2, 2 a, and 2 b.
"Body elongated and slender anteriorly; head small and com-
paratively distinct ; snout pointed; tail short, conical, and pointed.
Nostrils lateral, small, circulai-, between the two nasal plates. Eyes
large, lateral, almost entirely surrounded with the orbital plates.
Cephalic plates: two prefrontals and two postfrontals; two lorals
superposed. Two anteorbitals and three postorbitals. Abdominal
scutellse 245; subcaudal 64. Scales rather small, lozenge-shaped,
smooth, imbricated."
California. M. Botta.
This species is not without a certain resemblance to Pituophis.
The chained dorsal blotches, the acute head, prominent snout, and
presence of two lorals, the upper one resembling in shape and posi-
APPENDIX B. 153
tion an exterior pair of postfrontals, are the characters which lead us
to this belief. Its generic affinities, however, cannot be determined
without specimens in hand. The smooth scales would militate
against the supposition of its being a Pituophls.
5. Coluber (Ophis) Californiie, Blainv.— " Yellow, lighter be-
neath, darker above, with six longitudinal bands more or less effaced, and
more or less anastomosed, of a black color, the upper ones broader and often
united."
Syn. Coluber (Ophis) Californise, Blainv. Ann. Mus. d'Hist. Nat. Ill, 1834,
60. PI. xxvii. figs. 1, la, lb.
" Body of ordinary form and medium length ; head proportionally
large, depressed; snout short and obtuse. Tail rather short, conical,
and pointed. Nostrils lateral, oval, between the two nasal plates,
contiguous to the frontals. Eyes of medium size, lateral. Cephalic
plates. Two prefrontals and two postfrontals ; one loral ; one ante-
orbital and two postorbitals. Scales rather small, lozenge-shaped,
imbricated, and perfectly smooth."
California. M. Botta.
6. Coluber (Zacliolus) zonatus, Blainv. — " Reddish white, en-
tirely annulated with deep black, with two half-rings of the same color on
the head."
Syn. Coluber (Zacholtcs) zonatus, Blainv. Nouv. Ann. Mus. d'Hist. Nat.
Ill, 1834, 61.
" Body cylindrical, back depressed, subcarinated, suddenly attenu-
ated posteriorly, and but slightly anteriorly. Head small, tetragonal,
with an obtuse and thick snout ; tail short, small, and very much
tapering, about ' of total length. Nostrils lateral, large, infundi-
buliform, in the midst of the two nasal plates. Eyes large and late-
ral. Mouth deeply cleft ; anus very far back. Cephalic plates :
two prefrontals and two postfrontals ; one loral, very small ; one
anteorbital and two postorbitals, very small. Scales rather large,
rhomboidal, subimbricated, increasing in size from the back towards
the sides, subconvex and perfectly smooth."
California, — — — — — M. Botta.
154 APPENDIX B.
T. Coluber planiceps, Blainv. — "rniform reddish above, of a
soiled -wliite beneath, -with a black patch on the occiput and the beginning
of the neck."
Stn. Coluber planiceps, Blainv. Nouv. Ann. Mus. Hist. Nat. Ill, 1834, 62.
PI. xxYii, figs. 3, 3 a, 3 b.
"Body slender, rather elongated, cylindrical; head small, de-
pressed, but little distinct; snout short and elliptical; tail rather
long, slender, and very much tapering, \ of the total length. Nostrils
lateral, very small, situated in the middle of the nasal, which is elon-
gated and single. Eyes of medium size. Mouth broad, consider-
ably cleft ; anus far back. Cephalic plates : two prefrontals and two
postfrontals. No loral. One anterior and one postorbital. Ab-
dominal scutellae 134, beginning at some distance from the head.
Subcaudal 56. Scales broad, convex, very smooth, opalescent, ob-
liquely imbricated."
California. M. Botta.
Genus CHAR I IV A, Gray.
Gen. Char. Resembles Wenona in general shape and appear-
ance, and bears with it many affinities in structure. There are two
lorals instead of one ; three anteorbitals instead of one ; three super-
ciliaries instead of one ; and the subcaudal scutelloe much narrower,
and more elongated transversely. The comparison of specimens will
no doubt show other generic differences inappreciable by the de-
scriptions.
Syn. Charina, Gray, Catal. of Snakes in Brit. Mus. 1849, 113.
S. Cliariiaa Bottse, Gray.— Body cylindrical, blunt at each end ;
pale yellow ; back and tail darker.
Syn. Charina Boitx, Gray, Catal. of Snakes in Brit. Mus. 1849, 113.
Tortrix Bottae, Blainv. Nouv. Ann. Mus. Hist. Nat. Ill, 1834, 57. PI.
sxvi, figs. 1, la, lb.
APPENDIX B. 155
Genus OPHTHAliITIIBIOIV, Dum. & Bibr.
Gen. Char. Head more or less depressed, covered with plates;
rostral plate recurved under the snout, the tip of which is rounded,
and extending to the upper part of the head in the shape of an oval
cap. An anterior frontal plate. A frontal proper. A pair of su-
praoculars. A pair of parietals ; no interparietals, or one only. A
pair of nasals. A pair of fronto-nasals. A pair of oculars. A pair
of preoculars. Nostrils hemidiscoid, opening under the snout, one to
the right, the other to the left, between the nasal and fronto-nasal.
Eyes lateral, more or less distinct.
Syn. OpMialmidion, DuM. & BiBR. Erp. Gen. VI, 1844, 262 ;
and Catal. Kept. Mus. d'Hist. Nat. II, 1852, 201.
9. Oplitlialniidion longissiiuuni, Dum. & Bibk. — Tail double
the lengtli of the width of the head, cylindrical, straight, rounded at the tip,
and provided with a small spine. Nasal plates in the shape of little subrec-
tangular bands, placed longitudinally on each side at the inferior part of
the rostral. Oculars in vertical subhexagonal bands, less developed than
the preoculars, and showing the eyes but slightly through. Head yellow-
ish, the whole body of a grayish tint.
Stn. Oplithalmidion longissimum, Dum. & Bibr. Erp. Gen. VI, 1844, 263 ;
and Catal. Kept. Mus. Hist. Nat. II, 1852, 201.
N. America. Collected by Comte de Castelnau. Florida. ? ?
The following species given by Schlegel in his Essai as North
American, cannot be admitted into our fauna without further evi-
dence.
Calamaria melanocepliala Surinam & Philada
I^ycodon clelia Philada
Herpetodryas niargaritiferus New Orleans
Ilerpetodryas cursor New York.
UryoplBis Catesboei Southern States.
Dipsa;^ aiiiiulala Delta of Miss.
Homalopsis carisaicauda New York.
IIoiDaSop^i!>« plieatilis, Var New Orleans.
APPENDIX C.
v
Species collected by John H. Clark and Arthur Schott,
ON the U. S. and Mexican Boundary Survey, under Maj.
Wm. H. Emory, U. S. A., and received too late for inser-
tion IN THEIR PROPER PLACES.
1. Crotalus atrox, B. & G Page 5
Pecos, Tex. 15. 35. 2f . John H. Clark.
Eagle Pass, Tex. 15. 29. 2 J. Arthur Schott.
2. Toxicopllis pu^nax, B. & G Page 20
Eagle Pass, Tex. 138. 43. 25. 28. 4i Arthur Schott.
3. Elaps tenere, B. &G , Page 22
The ground-color of the present specimen is red, the same as in
Elaps fulvius ; the fact of its being fawn-colored in the specimen de-
scribed above must be attributed to the action of the preserving
fluid. The specimens here referred to are of a greater size, but ex-
hibit all the other characters by which we have distinguished this
species from Elaps fulvius.
San Felipe, Tex. John H. Clark.
Eagle Pass, Tex. Arthur Schott.
4. Eaitainia Marciasia, B. & G Page 36
Eagle Pass, Tex. Arthur Schott.
150
APPENDIX C. 157
5. Hcterodon nasicus, B. &G Page Gl
Specimens of this species vary in the number of small postrostral
plates. In some there are only three or four, in others a larger num-
ber. Sometimes, instead of a single series of median dorsal spots,
there are two, in close contact, and more or less confluent. The nar-
row light line across the middle of the superciliaries and the high
labials are still highly characteristic.
Pecos, Tex. 130+1. 40. 23. 14^. 2|. John H. Clark.
" 141+1. 29. 23. 20*. 2|. "
« 141+1. 87. 23. 23J. 3^. "
Eagle Pass, Tex. 144+1. 38. 23. 26^. 3^. Arthur Schott.
6. Pituoplsis bellona, B. &G Page 66
Presidio del Norte, Mex. 243.51.32. 51^.6. John H. Clark.
7. ScotopIliS EsKOl'yijB. &G. — Head rather narrow ; vertical plate
elongated. Eye large. Median six or eight scales only carinated ; very
slightly. Dorsal rows 29; Above ash-gray, with a dorsal series of trans-
verse brown blotches, on each side of which are two others of smaller size ;
indistinct traces of a third. A frontal brown vitta passing back through the
eye, and crossing the angle of the mouth on to the side of the neck.
Plates and shape of head much as in S. guttatus. Vertical plate
more elongated than in the species of allied color, being decidedly
longer than broad. Head rather narrow. Eye larger than in S.
guttatus, its centre a little posterior to the junction of the 4th and
5th labials. Postorbitals resting on the 5th labial, as in the other
species. Anteorbital large. Loral elongated, acute angled behind.
Upper labials 8, 6th and 7th largest; lower 11, 6th largest. Dor-
sal rows of scales 29, central five or six only carinated, and those
only slightly : exterior row largest, rest nearly equal. Ground-color
grayish ash. A series of olivaceous brown transverse quadrate
blotches along the back, 70 in number, the 50th opposite the anus.
These are ten or twelve scales broad, two to three long, and sepa-
rated by intervals of one to two scales. They are narrowly margined
with black. On each side of the dorsal series, and alternating witli
it, is a series of smaller, nearly circular, but similarly constituted
blotches extending between the 3d, and 7th or 8th rows : below this,
158 APPENDIX C.
and on the 2d and 3d rows, is a still smaller and quite 'indistinct
third series, and occasionally traces of a fourth on the 1st and 2d.
The ground-color or space between the blotches is grayish ash ; each
scale minutely mottled with dark-brown or black; the extreme bor-
der generally pure ash, especially on the sides. Beneath yellowish
white, with rather indistinct blotches of brownish ash, thickest
behind.
Head grayish ash, with a somewhat curved broad brown vitta on
the back part of the postfrontals, which, involving the commissure
of the anteorbital and superciliary, passes back through the eye, and
crossing the angle of the mouth on the adjacent halves of the ulti-
mate and penultimate labials, extends into the blotches on the sides
of the neck. A second nearly effaced bar crosses the anterior front-
als, leaving an ash-colored band half the width of the first-mentioned
bar. The anterior dorsal blotch is replaced by two elongated ones
running up on the head to the centre of the occipitals, parallel with
the postocular vitta, with an ash-colored stripe between the two,
which extends from the superciliary backwards on the sides of the
neck. As in the other brown marks, these stripes are margined by
black. The adjacent edges of the 4th and 5th labials are brown. This
is the only species except >S^. guttatus, in which the postocular vitta
crosses the angle of the mouth, and passes down the side of the neck.
There is scarcely any indication of elongation in the lateral spots
except anteriorly.
This species differs from S. vnlpinus in the gray color, much larger
eye, longer head, narrower vertical, &c. ; from >S'. Icctus in much the
same points as well as in having the dorsal spots transverse not longi-
tudinal ; from S. Ltndhewieri in lighter color, and absence of white
margins to the basal ends of the dorsal scales.
Howard Sjprmgs, Tex. 217+1. 72. 29. 41i 7. J. H. Clark.
8. Georgia obSOlefa, B. & G. — Postorbitals resting on the fifth
labials, not on the 4th, as in Georgia Coiqieri. Black above, beneath slate-
color ; anteriorly with the bases of the scutellaj red.
Syn. Coluber obsoleius, Say in Long's Exped. Rocky Mts., I, 1823, 140. —
Harl. Journ. Acad. Nat. So. Philad. V, 1827, 347; and Med. & Phys. Res.
1835, 112.— HoLBR. N. Amer. Herp. Ill, 1842, 61. PI. xii.
Upper labials 8 ; 7th and 8th largest; postorbitals supported by
the 5th; 6th labial small, triangular, but still separating the 5th and
APPENDIX C. 159
7th, which do not meet above it. Lower labials 9 ; 4th and 5th
largest. Two rows of temporal shields. Two lorals in one speci-
men, one in another. General color above deep black ; some of the
scales having dashes of reddish white at their bases, scarcely indi-
cating blotches as in Scotopliis: the same color is sometimes shown
on the skin. Beneath slate-black. The color is uniform on the pos-
terior half : the bases of the scutellae then begin to exhibit more or
less of pale reddish white, which tint increases in extent and in-
tensity anteriorly until towards the head the slate-color is only seen
along their edges, the tint there being a dark salmon-color. The pos-
terior margins of the upper and lower labials, as well as all the plates
on the sides of the neck and beneath, are edged with well-defined
black. Sides of the head reddish brown, margined as above.
Eagle Pass, Tex. 193. 60. 17. 45|. 7f. Arthur Schott.
« 193. 56. 17. 48J. 9|. "
9. ©pllibolus Sayi, B. & G Page 84
Variety with transverse penultimate bands.
Eagle Pass, Tex. 210. 59. 23. S7§. 5|. Arthur Schott.
10. Masticopliis flavigularis, B. & G Page 99
Mr. Clark mentions having seen specimens of this species on the
upper Rio Grande, with a decided tinge of red. It would not sur-
prise us, therefore, to find it the same with Coluber tesiaceus, Say — a
point of much interest, as this is the only one of Say's Western spe-
cies which we have not identified as clearly distinct.
Presidio del Norte, Mex. 200+1. 1G7. 17. 56. 15i. John H. Clark.
11. Masticopliis ornatus, B. &G Page 102
A highly marked specimen, diff"ering somewhat from those already
described. Very dark purple on the back, lighter on the sides be-
tween the light lines. A narrow yellow line along the contiguous
edges of the abdomen and outer dorsal rows. The 4th row of scales
with the adjacent edges of the od and 5th, are yellowish white, with
a well-defined black line through the centre of the former. Down
the centre of all the rows as well as the fourth, is a black line,
most intense on the 1st and 3d rows. At successive intervals along
160 APPENDIX C.
the back, are seen broad transverse light bands, produced by the ob-
literation of the black line in the 4th row, and by all the dorsal
scales between the light lines being yellowish white, with more or
less of purplish black towards the tips. There are about eight of
these dorsal marks on the anterior three-fifths of the body, the first
being indicated by a light bar on the nape.
Howard Springs, Tex. 206+1. — 15. 61f . 17|. J. H. Clark.
12. Masticopllls Scliolti, B. & G. — Greenish brown, with two nar-
row white lines on each side, becoming obsolete at about three-fifths of the
length from the head. Scales on the back yellow at the base. Sides of the
neck in front red. Dorsal scales in 15 rows.
This species presents quite a close relationship to M. tceniatus, al-
though sufficiently different in its distribution of color. The general
tint above is a dark greenish olive. On each side are two well-de-
fined narrow yellowish white lines : the first along the junction of the
outer dorsal row and the abdominal scutellae, involving only the ad-
jacent angles; the second similarly constituted in relation to the od
and 4th rows (not running through the centres of the scales). The
portion of the 3d and 4th rows not involved by the upper white line
is black, as is also a narrow margin above the lower white line, of
the same diameter with it. The upper angles of the scales in the
first row, and the whole of those of the second row, are of a lighter
olive than the back. All the scales on the back between the upper
yellow lines of opposite sides are margined with yellow along their
basal edges, only evident on separating the scales. Anteriorly is a
short yellow line along the junction of the 2d and 3d rows of scales,
extending to about the 25th abdominal scutella.
Color beneath dull yellow, with the greater part of the scutellae
closely and minutely blotched with greenish slate. Anteriorly the
proportion of yellow is much greater, and near the head the blotch-
ing is in two series, as in the rest of the genus. The tail also is
nearly unspotted yellowish, except anteriorly. On the external
fourth of the abdominal scutellae the blotching is more confluent,
forming a well-defined margin to the lower yellow line. Anteriorly
the side of the abdomen is of a dull red. The upper jaw is yellowish
white, excepting the lower edges along the 1st to the 6th labials,
which are black. Orbitals, loral, and nasals with a yellow central
spot.
APPENDIX C. 161
The lateral stripes become obsolete at about | of the length from
the head, so that the body posteriorly is nearly unicolor above.
Upper labials 8, 7th longest ; lower 9, 5th largest.
Eagle Pass, Tex. 201+1.138.15. 54J. 17f. Arthur Schott.
13. SaSvadora C^raliamiae!, B. & G Page 104
This specimen has but two anteorbitals, the upper very large ; in
other respects it is as previously described. The under parts appear
to have been of a delicate reddish salmon-color.
Presidio del Norte, Mex. 189+1. 100. 17. 28f . 7f . John H. Clark.
14. L.eptopliis luajalis^ B. &G Page 127
Eagle Pass, Tex. 162+1.127.17. 28. 16f. Arthur Schott.
15. Diadopbis reg-alls, B. &G Page 115
Eagle Springs, Tex. 229+1. 56. 17. 25|. 4. John H. Clark.
16. Rliinoclieilus l.ecoiitei, B. & G Page 120
Pecos, Tex. 191. 56. 23. 26^. 4*. John H. Clark.
17. Tantilla ^acilis, B. &G Page 132
Eagle Pass, Tex. 133. 44. 15. 7f . 1|. Arthur Schott.
11
APPENDIX D.
Index of Sources from which the Specimens have been
received.
Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia, 40, 41, 47, 66, 92, 146,
147, 149.
Adams, Prof. C. B., 33, 58, 80, 87, 128.
Agassiz, Prof. L., 42, 81, 138.
Baird, S. F., 2, 3, 18, 25, 31, 39, 46, 53, 56, 74, 88, 94, 95, 109, 113, 130,
136, 138.
Barker, Dr. S. W., 4, 12, 22, 40, 58, 79, 86, 95, 122, 134, 138.
Barratt, Dr. J. B., 31, 56, 61.
Blaney, Miss Valeria, 128.
Boston Society of Natural History, 35.
Bowman, .J. S., 36.
Boyle, Dr. C. C, 35, 83, 115.
Burnett, Dr. W. J., 99.
Caldwell, Prof. M., 31, 109, 138.
Chui'chill, Gen. S., 15, 23, 32, 36, 63, 68.
Clark, Jonn H., 95, 156, 157, 158, 159, 160, 161.
Cuyler, R. R., 80, 125.
Daniel, Mrs. M. E. See Miss C. Paine.
Dayton, E. A., 13.
Edwakds, Dr., 15.
Emory, Maj. W. H., 156—161.
Fahnestock, G. W., 96, 136, 138.
Fairie, James, 3, 18, 20, 22, 25, 41, 44, 50, 85, 91, 94, 119, 124.
Force, Col. P., 31.
Fox, Rev. Charles, 15, 31, 39, 46, 76, 96, 136.
Fremont, Col. J. C, 95.
162
APPENDIX D. 163
Gambel, Dr. Wm., 27, 36, 63, 68, 97, 103.
Girard, Charles, 18, 22, 31, 40, 58, 60, 88, 109.
Graham, Col. J. D., 6, 9, 11, 13, 15, 18, 20, 23, 26, 29, 37, 42, 48, 55, 03,
68, 75, 84, 85, 97, 100, 101, 103, 105, 107, 114, 115, 117, 132, 143.
Hough, Dr., 31, 88.
Hoy, Dr. P. R., 15, 34, 76, 109, 136, 138.
Jones, Dr. W. L., 12, 33, 43, 47, 113, 119.
Keesee, C. W., 122.
Kennerly, Dr. C. B. R., 31, 53, 89, 130.
Kirtland, Dr. Jared P., 15, 16, 18, 54, 136.
Lecoxte, Dr. John L., 34, 72, 97, 111, 114, 121, 143.
Leconte, Major John, 113, 136, 138.
Lindheimer, Ferd., 23, 26, 37, 42, 55, 75, 100, 107, 136.
Lloyd, D. C, 2, 23, 31, 54, 56, 80, 85, 90, 94, 107, 122, 131.
McClellan, Capt. G. B., 26, 37, 63, 69, 78, 85, 91, 100, 107.
Marcy, Capt. R. B., 9, 26, 37, 63, 69, 78, 85, 91, 100, 107.
Mathews, Jos., M. D., 46.
Morris, Rev. J. G., 47, 126.
National Institute, 46.
Paine, Miss C, 31, 53, 77, 86, 87, 93, 95, 107, 113, 119, 124, 128, 130,
136, 138.
Parker, Wm. B., 109, 113, 130.
Richard, J. H., 109.
Sanford, C, 25.
Schott, Arthur, 156, 157, 159, 161.
Sheafer, M., 138.
Shumard, Dr. B. F., 54, 61, 80, 86, 89, 90, 109, 113, 119, 130, 134, 138.
Skilton, Dr. A. J., 111.
Stansbury, Capt. H., 101.
Topographical Bureau, 148.
U. S. Exploring Expedition, 8, 27, 28, 30, 34, 36, 70, 72, 97, 111, 116,
140, 141.
Varden, J., 128, 130, 136.
Wailes, Col. B. L. C, 3, 94.
APPENDIX E.
Index of States and Territories from which Speciihens
HAVE been received.
Arkansas, 9, 26, 37, 63, 69, 78, 85,
91, 100, 107.
California, 27, 34, 35, 36, 63, 68, 70,
72, 83, 95, 97, 103, 111, 113, 115,
121, 143.
Georgia, 12, 33, 43, 47, 58, 80, 87,
92, 113, 119, 126, 136, 138.
Louisiana, 3, 18, 20, 25, 41, 44, 85,
91, 94, 119, 124, 136.
Maine, 31, 109, 138.
Maryland, 25, 31, 39, 46, 95, 107,
128, 130, 136.
Massachusetts, 25, 39, 88, 107, 140.
Michigan, 15, 31, 39, 46, 76, 95, 136.
Mississippi, 3, 23, 31, 54, 56, 61, 80,
85, 86, 89, 90, 94, 107, 109, 113,
119, 122, 130, 131, 134.
New Mexico and Mexico, 15, 26,
36, 50, 157, 159.
New York, 25, 31, 39, 88, 109, 113,
136, 138.
164
Ohio, 15, 16, 18, 46, 54, 136.
Oregon, 8, 28, 30, 36, 72, 97, 111,
116, 140, 141.
Pennsylvania, 2, 3, 18, 25, 31, 39,
46, 47, 58, 56, 74, 88, 94, 95, 96,
109, 113, 130, 136, 138.
SoNORA, Mex., 11, 15, 63, 68, 84, 105,
115, 117.
South Carolina, 4, 12, 18, 22, 31,
39, 41, 53, 56, 58, 60, 61, 66, 77,
79, 86, 87, 94, 95, 99, 107, 113,
119, 122, 124, 126, 128, 130, 134,
136, 138.
Texas, 6, 9, 13, 18, 20, 23, 26, 29, 32,
37, 42, 48, 55, 63, 68, 75, 85, 95,
100, 101, 103, 107, 114, 131, 136,
148, 156, 157, 158, 159, 160, 161.
Utah, 101.
Virginia, 25, 31, 58, 89, 107, 122,
130.
Wisconsin, 15, 34, 76, 109, 136,
138.
ALPHABETICAL INDEX.
1.— VERNACULAR NAMES.*
Addek, Spreading, 55.
" Water, 147.
B.
Banded Rattlesnake, 1.
Black Massasauga, 16.
" Snake [Base, constr.), 93, and
[Georg. obs.), 158.
" Viper, 55.
Blowing Viper, 51.
Brown Snake, 122.
Bull Snake, 65.
Chain Snake, 86.
Chicken Snake, 80, 87.
Coach-whip Snake (Mast, flagell. and
flavig.), 98 and 99.
Copperbelly {Ner. erythr.), 40.
Copperhead, 17.
Corn Snake {Scot, guttatus), 78.
D.
Diamond Rattlesnake, 3.
E.
Egg Snake {Oph. Sayi), 84.
G.
Garter Snake, 30, 32.
Gopher Snake {Georg. Coup.), 92.
Grass Snake, 32.
Green Snake, 106, 108.
Ground Rattlesnake, 11.
" Snake, 129.
H.
Harlequin Snake, 21.
Highland Mocassin {Tox. atrof.), 150.
Hog-nose Snake, 51, 59.
Horn Snake, 123.
House Snake, 87.
Indigo Snake {Georg. Coup.), 92.
King Snake, 84, 85. {El. tener.), 21.
Lightning Snake, 87.
Little Green Garter Snake {Hut.
ordinata), 32.
Lizard Snake {Eut. sirt.), 30.
* Such vernacular names as have been omitted in the body of the catalogue are here given
with their systematic titles placed within parentheses.
165
166
ALPHABETICAL INDEX.
M.
Massasauga, 14.
" Black, 16.
Milk Snake, 87.
Mocassin {N. sip. andiV./asc), 38 and
39. {Toz. pugn.), 20.
Mocassin, Highland, 150.
•' Upland, 150.
" Water, 19.
Pilot Snake (Pit. McCL), 68,
Pine Snake, C5.
Prairie Rattlesnake, 14.
" Snake {Mast, flavig.), 99.
R.
Racer (Base, constr.), 93.
Rattlesnake, Banded, 1.
" Diamond, 3.
•' Ground, 11.
" Prairie, 14.
" Small, 11.
Red-bellied Snake, 123.
Riband Snake, 24.
Ring-necked Snake, 112.
s.
Scarlet Snake, 118.
Small Rattlesnake [Crotal. miliar.),
11.
Snake, Black, 93, 158.
•' Brown, 122.
Bull, 65.
Chain, 86.
Chicken, 80, 87.
Coach-whip, 98, 99.
Corn, 78.
Egg, 84.
Garter, 30, 32.
Gopher, 92.
Grass, 32.
Green, 106, 108.
If
(1
Snake, Ground, 129.
" Harlequin, 21.
" Hog-nose, 51, 59.
" Horn, 123.
" House, 87.
" Indigo, 92.
" King, 84, 86, 21.
" Lightning, 87.
" Little Green Garter. 32.
" Lizard, 30.
" Milk, 87.
" Pilot, 68.
" Pine, 65.
" Prairie, 99.
Red-bellied, 123.
Riband, 24.
Ring-necked, 112.
" Scarlet, 118.
" Striped, 30.
" Swift Garter, 24.
" Thunder, 86, 87.
" Water, 38, 39.
" Worm, 129.
Spreading Adder, 55.
Striped Snake, 30.
Swift Garter Snake, 24.
T.
Thunder Snake, 86, 87.
u.
Upland Mocassin, {Tox. atrof.), 150.
V.
Viper, Blowing, 51.
" Black, 55.
" Water, 19.
w.
Water Adder, 147.
" Mocassin, 19.
" Snake, 88, 39.
" Viper [Tox. pise), 19
Worm Snake, 129.
ALPHABETICAL INDEX.
167
2.— SYSTEMATIC NAMES.
abacurus, Farancia, 123.
Coluber, 123.
Helicops, 123.
Hydrops, 123.
Abastor, 12-5.
" erytlirogrammus, 125.
Acontias atrofuscus, 150.
adamanteus, Crotalus, 3.
sestivus, Leptophis, 106.
" Coluber, 106.
affinis, Pituophis, 66.
Agassizii, Nerodia, 41.
Agkistrodon, 17.
" contortrix, 17.
" mokason, 17.
alleglianiensis. Coluber, 73.
" Scotophis, 73.
amabilis, Diadophis, 113.
amsenus, Brachyorrhos, 129.
" Coluber, 129.
amoena, Celuta, 129.
" Calamaria, 129.
Anguis annulatus, 86.
" flagelliformis, 98.
" viridis, 106.
annectens, Pituophis, 72.
annulata, Dipsas, 155.
annulatus, Anguis, 86.
atmodes, Heterodon, 57.
atrofuscus, Acontias, 150.
" ToxicopMs, 150.
" Trigonocephalus, 150.
atrox, Crotalus, 5.
B.
Bascanion, 93.
" constrictor, 93.
" flaviventris, 96.
" Foxii, 96.
•' Fremontii, 95.
" vetustus, 97.
bellona, Churchillia, 66.
" Pituophis, 66.
bipunctatus, Tropidonotus, 80.
Boa constrictor, 17.
Boidoe, ix, xi.
Bottse, Charina, 154.
" Tortrix, 154.
Boylii, Ophibolus, 82.
Brachyorrhos amaenus, 129.
c.
cacodemon. Coluber, 55.
Calamaria amoena, 129.
" elapsoidea, 123.
" melanocephala, 155.
" punctata, 112.
" striatula, 122.
" tenuis, 116.
californire. Coluber (Ophis), 153.
capite viperrens, Vipera, 59.
carinicauda, Homalopsis, 155.
catenifer, Coluber, 69.
" Pituophis, 69.
Catesboei, Dryophis, 155.
caudisona, Viperra, 1.
Celuta, 129.
" amoena, 129.
cenchris, Trigonocephalus, 17-
Charina, xi, 154.
" Bottce, 154.
Chlorosoma, 108.
" vernalis, 108.
Churchillia, 64, 66.
" bellona, 65, 66.
Clarkii, Eegina, 48.
clelia, Lycodon, 155.
clericus, Ophibolus, 88.
coccinea, Coronella, 89.
" Rhinostoma, 118.
coccineus, Coluber, 118.
" Heterodon, 118.
cognatus, Heterodon, 54.
Coluber abacurus, 123.
" sestivus, 106.
<' alleghaniensis, 73.
" amaenus, 129.
" cacodemon, 55.
" calligaster, 76.
168
ALPHABETICAL INDEX.
Coluber (Ophis) californise, 153.
" catenifer, 69.
" coccineus, 118.
" constrictor, 93.
" Couperi, 92.
" doliatus, 89.
" erythrogaster, 40.
" erythrogrammus, 125.
" eximius, Dekay, 87.
" eximius, Holbr. 88.
" fasciatus, 140.
" flagelliformis, 98.
" flagellum, 98.
" flaviventris, 96.
fulvius, 21.
" getulus, 8G.
" guttatus, 78.
" heterodon, 51.
" infernalis, 26.
" leberis, 45.
" melanoleucus, 65.
" melanoleucus, var. 151.
" mormon, 101.
" obsoletus, 158.
" ordinatus, 32.
" parietalis, 28.
" planiceps, 154.
" poecilogaster, 38.
" porcatus, 40.
" proximus, 25.
" punctatus, 112.
" quadrivittatus, 80.
" rigidus, 46.
" saurita, 24.
Sayi, Schl., 151.
" Sayi, Holbr. 84.
" septemvittatus, 45.
" simus, 59.
" sipedon, 38.
" sirtalis, 30.
" striatulus, 122.
'* taxispilotus, 43.
" testaceus, 150.
" thraso, 55.
•' venustus, 137.
" vernalis, 108.
" vertebralis, 152.
" (Zacholus) zonatus, 153.
ColubridsB, ix, x, xi.
confinis, Scotophis, 76.
confluentus, Crotalus, 8.
concinna, Eutainia, 146.
concinnus, Tropidonotus, 146.
censors, Crotalophorus, 12.
constrictor, Bascanion, 93.
" Coluber, 93.
" Hierophis, 93.
Contia, 110.
" mitis, 110.
contortrix, Agkistrodon, 17.
" Boa, 17.
" Trigonocephalus, 17.
coronata, Tantilla, 131.
Coronella, coccinea, 59.
" doliata, 59.
" getula, 86.
" rhombomaculata, 86.
Sayi, 84.
Couperi, Coluber, 92.
" Georgia, 92.
Crotalidfe, ix.
Crotalophorus, 11.
" consors, 12.
" Edwardsii, 15.
" Kirtlandii, 16.
" miliarius, 11.
" tergeminus, 14.
Crotalus, 1.
" adamanteus, 8.
" atrox, 5.
" confluentus, 8.
" durissus, 1.
" horridus, 3.
" Lecontei, 8.
" lucifer, 6.
" miliarius, 11.
" molossus, 10.
" oregonus, 145.
" tergeminiis, 14.
cupreus, Scy talus, 17.
cursor, Herpetodryas, 155.
D.
Dekayi, Storeria, 135.
" Tropidonotus, 135.
diademata, Ninia, 49.
Diadophis, 112.
" amabilis, 113.
" docilis, 114.
" pulchellus, 115.
" punctatus, 112.
" regalis, 115, 161.
Dipsas annulata, 155.
docilis, Diadophis, 114.
doliata, Coronella, 89.
doliatus, Coluber, 89.
" Ophibolus, 89.
dorsalis, Eutainia, 31.
Drummondi, Farancia, 123.
Dry ophis Catesboei, 155.
dulcis, Rena, 142.
durissus, Crotalus, 1.
E.
Edwardsii, Crotalophorus, 15.
ALPHABETICAL INDEX.
169
Elaps, 21.
" fulvius, 21.
" tenere, 22.
" tristis, 23.
elapsoidea, Calamaria, 133.
" Osceola, 133.
elegans, Eutainia, 34.
Emoryi, Scotophis, 157.
erjthrogaster, Coluber, 40.
" Nerodia, 40.
" Tropidonotus, 40.
erythrogrammus, Abastor, 125.
" Coluber, 125.
" Helicops, 125.
" Homalopsis, 25.
Erythrolamprus, 82.
Eutainia, 24.
" concinna, 146.
" dorsalis, 31.
" elegans, 34.
" Faireyi, 25.
" infernalis, 26.
" leptocephala, 29.
" Marciana, 36.
" ordinata, 32.
" ordinoides, 33.
" parietalis, 28.
" Pickeringii, 27.
" proxima, 25.
" radix, 34.
" saurita, 24.
" sirtalis, 30.
" vagrans, 35.
eximius, Coluber, 87, 88.
" Ophibolus, 87.
F.
Faireyi, Eutainia, 25.
Farancia, 123.
" abacurus, 123.
" Drummondi, 123.
" fasciata, 123.
fasciata, Farancia, 123.
" Nerodia, 39.
fasciatus. Coluber, 40.
" Tropidonotus, 40.
flagelliformis, Anguis, 98.
" Coluber, 98.
" Psammophis, 98.
Masticophis, 98, 149.
flagellum. Coluber, 98.
flavigularis, Masticophis, 99.
" Psammophis, 99.
flaviventris, Bascanion, 96.
" Coluber, 96.
Foxii, Bascanion, 96.
Fremontii, Bascanion, 95.
fulvia, Vipera, 21.
fulvius. Coluber, 21.
" Elaps, 21.
G.
gentilis, Ophibolus, 90.
Georgia, 92.
" Couperi, 92.
obsoleta, 168.
getula, Coronella, 86.
getulus, Herpetodryas, 84.
" Ophibolus, 85.
" Pseudoelaps, 86.
gracilis maculata, Vipera, 32.
" Tantilla, 131.
Grahamiae, Salvadora, 104.
Grahamii, Regina, 47.
guttatus. Coluber, 78.
" Scotophis, 78.
H.
Haldea, 122.
" striatula, 122.
Helicops abacurus, 123.
" erythrogrammus, 125.
Heterodon, 51.
" atmodes, 57.
" coccineus, 118.
" cognatus, 54.
" nasicus, 59.
" niger, 55.
" platyrhinos, 51.
" simus, 59.
heterodon, Coluber, 51.
Herpetodryas cursor, 155.
" getulus, 84.
" margaritiferus, 155.
Hierophis constrictor, 93.
flolbrookii, Nei-odia, 43.
Homalopsis carinicauda, 155.
" erythrogrammus, 125.
" plicatilis, var., 155.
" Reinwardtii, 123.
horridus, Crotalus, 3.
humilis, Rena, 143.
Hydrops abacurus, 123.
" Reinwardtii, 123.
I.
infernalis, Coluber, 26.
" Eutainia, 26.
Isabella, Wenona, 140.
K.
Kirtlandii, Crotalophorus, 16.
170
ALPHABETICAL INDEX.
laetus, Scotophis, 77.
Lecontei, Crotalus, 8.
" Rhinocheilus, 120.
leberis, Coluber, 45.
" Regina, 45.
" Tropidonotus, 45.
leptocephala, Eutainia, 29,
Leptophis, 106.
" sestivus, 106.
" majalis, 107, 161.
" sauritus, 24.
" tffiniatus, 103.
Lindheimerii, Scotophis, 73.
Lodia, 116.
«' tenuis, 116.
longissimum, Ophthalmidion, 155.
lucifer, Crotalus, 6.
Lycodon clelia, 155.
M.
majalis, Leptophis, 107.
Marciana, Eutainia, 36.
margaritiferus, Herpetodryas, 155.
Masticophis, 98.
" flagelliformis, 98, 149.
" fiavigularis, 99.
" mormon, 101.
" ornatus, 102.
" Schottii, IGO.
" tseniatus, 103.
McClellanii, Pituophis, 68.
melanocephala, Calamaria, 155.
melanoleucus, Coluber, 65.
«' Pituophis, 65.
" var.. Coluber, 150.
miliarius, Caudisona, 11.
" Crotalophorus, 11.
" Crotalus, 11.
mitis, Contia, 110.
mokason, Agkistrodon, 17.
molossus, Crotalus, 10.
mormon. Coluber, 101.
" Masticophis, 101.
N.
nasicus, Heterodon, 61.
Nerodia, 38.
»< Agassizii, 41.
" erythrogaster, 40.
<< fasciata, 39.
" Holbrookii, 43.
" niger, 147.
" rhombifer, 147.
" sipedon, 38.
it
a
n
((
((
Nerodia, taxispilota, 43.
" transversa, 148.
" Woodhousii, 43.
niger, Heterodon, 55.
" Nerodia, 147.
" Tropidonotus, 147.
" Vipera, 93.
nigra, Vipera, 55.
Ninia, 49.
" diademata, 49.
0.
obsoleta, Georgia, 158.
obsoletus. Coluber, 158.
occipito-maculata, Storeria, 187.
" Tropidonotus, 137.
Ophthalmidion, 155.
" longissimum, 155.
Ophibolus, 82.
Boylii, 82.
clericus, 88.
doliatus, 89.
eximius, 74.
gentilis, 90.
getulus, 85.
rhombo-maculatus, 86.
Sayi, 84.
" splendidus, 83.
Ophis californiiB, 153.
ordinata, Eutainia, 32.
ordinatus. Coluber, 32.
" Tropidonotus, 32, 135.
ordinoides, Eutainia, 33.
" Tropidonotus, 33.
oregonus, Crotalus, 145.
ornatus, Masticophis, 102.
Osceola, 133.
" elapsoidea, 133.
parietalis. Coluber, 28.
Eutainia, 28.
Pickeringii, Eutainia, 27.
piscivorus, Toxicophis, 19.
" Trigonocephalus, 19.
Pituophis, 64.
" affinis, 66.
" annectens, 87.
" bellona, 06.
" catenifer, 69.
" McClellanii, 68.
" melanoleucus, 65.
" Wilkesii, 86.
Pityophis, 64.
poecilogaster, Colub«r, 88.
porcatus. Coluber, 40.
ALPHABETICAL INDEX.
171
Psammophis flagelliformis, 98.
" flavigularis, 99.
Pseudoelaps getulus, 86.
y, 87.
planiceps, Coluber, 154.
platyi-liinos, Heterodon, 51, 59.
plicatilis, var. Homalopsis, 155.
plumbea, Wenona, 139.
proxima, Eutainia, 25.
proximus, Coluber, 25.
puguax, Toxicophis, 20.
pulchellus, Diadophis, 115.
punctata, Calamaria, 112.
punctatus, Coluber, 112.
" Diadophis, 112.
«« Spiletes, 112.
quadrivittatus, Coluber, 80.
" Scotophis, 80.
R.
radix, Eutainia, 34.
regalis, Diadophis, 115.
Regina, 45.
" Clarkii, 48.
" Grahamii, 47.
" leberis, 45.
" rigida, 46.
Reinwardtii, Homalopsis, 123.
" Hydrops, 128.
Rena, 142.
" dulcis, 142.
" humilis, 143.
Rhinocheilus, 120.
Lecontei, 120, 161.
Rhinostoma, 118.
" coccinea, 118.
rhombifer, Nerodia, 147.
" Tropidonotus, 147.
rhombomaculata, Coronella, 86.
rhombomaculatus, Ophibolus, 86.
rigida, Regina, 46.
rigidus, Coluber, 46.
" Tropidonotus, 46.
s.
Salvadora, 104.
" Grahamije, 104, 161.
saurita, Coluber, 24.
" Eutainia, 24.
" Tropidonotus, 25.
sauritus, Leptophis, 24.
Sayi, Coluber, 84, 151.
" Coronella, 84.
Ophibolus, 84.
Schottii, Masticophis, 160.
Scotophis, 73.
" alleghaniensis, 72.
" confinis, 76.
" guttatus, 78.
" l:etus. 77.
" Lindheimerii, 74.
" quadrivittatus, 80.
" vulpinus, 75.
Scytalus cupreus, 17.
semiannulata, Sonora, 117.
septemvittatus. Coluber, 45.
simus, Coluber, 59.
" Heterodon, 59.
sipedon, Coluber, 38.
" Nerodia, 38.
" Tropidonotus, 88.
sirtalis. Coluber, 30.
" Eutainia, 30.
" Tropidonotus, 30.
Sonora, 117.
" semiannulata, 117.
splendidus, Ophibolus, 82.
Spiletes punctatus, 112.
Storeria, 135.
" Dekayi, 135.
" occipito-maculata, 137.
striatula, Calamaria, 122.
Haldea, 122.
striatulus. Coluber, 122.
T.
tssenia, Tropidonotus, 30.
tseniatus, Leptophis, 103.
toeniatus, Masticophis, 108.
Tantilla, 131.
" coronata, 131.
gracilis, 132, 161.
taxispilota, Nerodia, 43.
taxispilotus, Coluber, 43.
'• Tropidonotus, 43.
tenere, Elaps, 22.
tenuis, Calamaria, 116.
" Lodia, 116.
tergeminus, Crotalophorus, 14,
" Crotalus, 14.
testaceus. Coluber, 150.
thraso. Coluber, 55.
Tortrix Bottfe, 154.
Toxicophis, 19. ^
" atrofuscus, 149.
" piscivorus, 19.
" pugnax, 20.
transversa, Nerodia, 148.
'.■^
172
ALPHABETICAL INDEX.
transversus, Tropidonotus, 148.
Trigonocephalus atrofuscus, 150.
" cenchris, 17.
" contortrix, 17.
" piscivorus, 19.
tristis, Elaps, 23.
Tropidonotus bipunctatus, 30.
" concinnus, 146.
Dekayi, 135.
erythrogaster, 41.
fasciatus, 40.
leberis, 45.
niger, 147.
occipito-maculatus, 137.
" ordinatus, Storer, 135.
" ordinatus, Holbr. 32.
" ordinoides, 33.
" rhombifer, 147.
'♦ rigidus, 46.
" saurita, 25.
" sipedon, 38.
" sirtalis, 30.
" tasnia, 30.
" taxispilotus, 43.
" transversus, 148.
Typhlopidae, ix.
V.
vagrans, Eutainia, 35.
Valerise, Virginia, 127.
vernalis, Chlorosoma, 108.
Coluber, 108.
ventre cuprei coloris, Vipera, 41.
venustus, Coluber, 137.
vertebralis, Coluber, 152.
v^tustus, Bascanion, 97.
Vipera capite viperrens, 59.
" caudisona americana, 1.
" " " minor, 11.
" fulvia, 21.
" gracilis maculata, 32.
niger, 93.
nigra, 65.
" ventre cuprei coloris, 41.
" viridis maculatus, 32.
Virginia, 127.
" Valerias, 127.
viridis, Anguis, 106.
" maculatus, Vipera, 32.
vulpinus, Scotophis, 75.
w.
Wenona, 139.
" Isabella, 140.
" plumbea, 139.
Wilkesii, Pituophis, 71.
Woodhousii, Nerodia, 42.
Y.
Y, Pseudoelaps, 87.
z.
Zacholus zonatus, 153.
zonatus, Coluber (Zacholus), 153.
THE END.
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